Evaluation of a Multidisciplinary Treatment Concept for Children with Multiple Disabilities on the Example of Cerebral Palsy GMFCS IV–V

Background: Children with profound and multiple disabilities need an interdisciplinary care concept due to the complexity of their underlying disease. The department of pediatric neurology Tubingen has established a specialized service for these needs. The pediatric neurologist, as an expert in the disease, coordinates and prioritizes diagnostic and treatment procedures and decisions. Here we evaluated whether this concept meets the expectations and needs of families concerned, and what changes could be necessary.

Methods: Open interviews with 15 parents of patients with CP. Questions concerned satisfaction with the treatment concept, care by the different disciplines involved and expectations concerning transition. Interviews were carried out following the principles of the Qualitative Content Analysis (Mayring 2010, Schreier 2015).

Results: In all domains analyzed, it proved to be most important that patients and their families were understood and their individual needs were recognized, combined with specific expertise with respect to the disease and its complexity. Open communication and information, as well as a clearly indicated person to contact were evaluated positively. Suggested improvements included shortening waiting on the day of discharge, to improve further information on responsibilities in the team and coordination with other disciplines.

Conclusion: Patient satisfaction not only depends on specific medical knowledge, but equally on care being holistic and focused on the individual needs of patients and their families.

We show that a multidisciplinary treatment concept with an individualized approach for children with multiple disabilities is achievable within a university hospital organized for supplying specialized maximum care.

Patient satisfaction not only depends on specific medical knowledge, but equally on care being comprehensive and focused on the individual needs of patients and their families.

No conflict of interest has been declared by the author(s).

Publication History

Article published online:
28 October 2021