Early Diagnosis Practices for Cerebral Palsy (CP Trial)

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byLuu Thuy Mai, MD, M.Sc.

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: N/A

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: St. Justine's Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?In this research, the investigators are using an implementation science approach to enhance the uptake of a clinical practice guideline for earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy (i.e. what is being implemented) in neonatal follow-up clinics across Canada. This clinical practice guideline should be part of what neonatal follow-up specialists do in their routine clinical work with children born preterm. However, there is a wide variability in practice. The goal of this project is to harmonize practices in the neonatal follow-up community in agreement with international recommendations for earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy. This research will measure if clinicians are truly following the clinical practice guideline. If not, implementation strategies that address barriers and leverage on facilitators will be deployed for successful uptake of the clinical practice guideline. This research will also assess whether implementation of the clinical practice guideline is associated with better patient outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for neonatal follow-up specialists in Canada who work with children born preterm. It aims to standardize the early diagnosis of cerebral palsy according to international guidelines.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a major birth defect or significant genetic issue affecting my development.

Treatment Details

The study tests whether implementing a clinical practice guideline across neonatal clinics leads to more consistent and earlier diagnosis of cerebral palsy in premature infants.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Intervention aimExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

To assess the effectiveness of the clinical practice guideline - cerebral palsy detecting early signs of CP at a younger age. More specifically, to reduce the age at detecting early signs of CP from an estimated CA of 11 months (prior to CPG-CP implementation) to 8 months. To determine whether using both the general movement assessment and Hammersmith infant neurological examination is more performant than the HINE alone in identifying early signs of CP. To examine if CPG-CP implementation is associated with better developmental functioning at 18-24 months CA.

Group II: Implementation aimExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Using the RE-AIM framework : To assess REAch of the intervention strategies to the target audience of clinicians in CNFUN programs.To assess Implementation fidelity to the CPG-CP and the implementation strategies. To assess Maintenance of the CPG-CP over time.