From the Guidelines
A comprehensive pediatric rehabilitation report should prioritize early rehabilitation, especially for children with neurologic injuries, and include a tailored treatment plan with physical, occupational, cognitive, speech, and play therapy, as well as psychological and social support. When creating a rehabilitation report for a pediatric patient, it is essential to consider the ultimate goal of returning the child to full, age-appropriate function, with the ability to reach his or her maximum adult potential, as stated in the study on management of pediatric trauma 1. The report should include:
- A detailed assessment of the child's developmental milestones, noting any delays or achievements
- Documented physical examination findings, including muscle tone, strength, range of motion, and coordination
- Standardized assessment scores from tools appropriate for the child's condition
- A tailored treatment plan with specific frequency and duration of physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions as needed
- Documentation of any adaptive equipment needs, such as orthotics, mobility aids, or assistive technology
- Home exercise programs with clear instructions for caregivers to reinforce therapy goals
- Measurable short-term and long-term goals with expected timeframes for achievement It is also crucial to address acute stress and posttraumatic stress reactions in trauma patients, and offer crisis intervention and ongoing support to youth who are injured through interpersonal violence, as they are especially at risk of repeat, violent injuries and psychosocial trauma 1. Regular reassessments should be scheduled to monitor progress and adjust the rehabilitation plan accordingly, ensuring comprehensive care and promoting the child's optimal development and functional independence.
From the Research
Rehabilitation Report for Pediatrics
- The pediatric rehabilitation field is rapidly growing and requires a multidisciplinary team approach, including physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, to assist children in attaining physical independence and improving their quality of life 2.
- A multidisciplinary assessment and intensive patient-centered rehabilitation program can lead to significant improvements in pediatric patients with physical, linguistic, cognitive, and emotional impairments after acute ischemic stroke 3.
- The use of a modified needs assessment tool, such as the Préparation au plan d'intervention (PAPI), can facilitate a family-centered care approach and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of pediatric rehabilitation 4.
- Telerehabilitation, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy, can be an effective and satisfactory way to provide care to pediatric patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with benefits including convenience, eliminated travel time, and incorporated health care advocates 5.
- Occupational, physical, and speech therapy treatment activities during inpatient rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury in pediatric patients focus primarily on basic activities, with advanced activities occurring later in the rehabilitation stay 6.
Key Components of Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Multidisciplinary team approach
- Family-centered care
- Patient-centered rehabilitation programs
- Modified needs assessment tools
- Telerehabilitation
Benefits of Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Improved physical independence
- Enhanced quality of life
- Significant improvements in cognitive and linguistic abilities
- Convenience and eliminated travel time
- Incorporated health care advocates