CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Early identification and timely intervention are widely accepted as best
practice for children with CP. Infants in Uppsala County have unequal
access to timely physiotherapy, where children considered at low risk
for CP receive therapy later. The high variability in referral practices
suggests that knowledge of CP attributes in young children varies widely
across organizations and professionals. It is especially children
referred from the CHS who have delayed access to intervention,
indicating that the current practice of measuring milestone achievement
does not efficiently detect CP. This is concerning given the CHS’s vital
role in early detection of developmental disabilities.
To provide high quality care that is equal and safe, all professionals
working with developmental surveillance and health monitoring,
regardless of organizational level, need appropriate knowledge of
typical and atypical motor development, including early clinical signs
of CP. Without continuous professional development initiatives to
increase such knowledge, children will continue to experience delayed
access to intervention. Evidence-based assessment methods should be used
when available, as these improve early detection and support clinical
decision-making. Furthermore, when aberrant motor performance is
observed, the child should promptly be referred to physiotherapy
regardless of formal medical diagnosis.