A national consensus-based framework on preferred assessments and interventions in current treatment for young people with acquired brain injury in Dutch rehabilitation centers

Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, vol. 19, pp. 15–27

Abstract

PURPOSE: Acquired brain injury (ABI) is prevalent among young people (4-25 years). When ABI-related problems persist, treatment in a rehabilitation center (RC) may be indicated. However, there is wide variability regarding the delivery of care across Dutch RCs, including assessments, interventions, and psychoeducational (PE) materials. The aim was to create a consensus-based framework with preferred assessments, interventions, and PE-materials to be used in pediatric ABI rehabilitation. A national framework could optimize the delivery of comparable care for this population. METHODS: For this three-round Delphi study, healthcare professionals (physiatrists, psychologists, social workers, physical/occupational/speech/language therapists) from RCs providing care for young people with ABI were invited to participate. In the first two (online) rounds, currently used assessments/interventions/PE-materials were collected, stepwise-prioritized, subsequently listed per discipline, and classified per International Classification of Functioning (ICF) domain. Results from rounds one/two were discussed in a consensus meeting (in person), aiming to reach agreement on assessments/interventions/PE-materials in the national framework and how to use them in current practice. RESULTS: Seventy-four healthcare professionals from 12 RCs participated. After Delphi round one, 163 assessments, 39 interventions, and 64 PE-materials were collected. After round two, the selection was narrowed down to n = 51/n = 34/n = 28, respectively. After round three, consensus was reached on 37 assessments, 25 interventions (divided over all disciplines/classified per ICF domain), 27 PE-materials, as well as on the use of the framework by all participating RC to enhance clinical reasoning in current practice. CONCLUSION: A consensus-based national framework in ABI rehabilitation has been developed and is now available to optimize the delivery of care for young people with ABI across Dutch RCs.

Authors 11

1. Florian Allonsius corresponding Aachen Department of Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

   Leiden University Medical Center

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Innovation, Quality and Research, Basalt Rehabilitation Center, The Hague, The Netherlands

   Department of Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

2. Arend J. de Kloet
   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Innovation, Quality and Research, Basalt Rehabilitation Center, The Hague, The Netherlands

3. Frederike van Markus-Doornbosch
   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Innovation, Quality and Research, Basalt Rehabilitation Center, The Hague, The Netherlands

4. Ingrid C. M. Rentinck

   Utrecht University · University Medical Center Utrecht · De Hoogstraat Revalidatie

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Pediatric Psychology, Sector of Neuropsychology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands

   Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, De Hoogstraat Rehabilitation, Utrecht, The Netherlands

5. Suzanne A. M. Lambregts

   Revant (Netherlands)

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Revant Rehabilitation Center, Breda, The Netherlands

6. Karin Huizing
   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Rehabilitation Center ‘Revalidatie Friesland’, Beetsterzwaag, The Netherlands

7. Peter de Koning

   Heliomare

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Heliomare Rehabilitation Center, Wijk aan Zee, The Netherlands

8. Sandra te Winkel

   Merem

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Merem Medical Rehabilitation, Hilversum, The Netherlands

9. Christine Resch

   Maastricht University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Neuropsychology & Psychopharmacology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands

   Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Limburg Brain Injury Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands

10. T. P. M. Vliet Vlieland Aachen Department of Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

    Leiden University Medical Center

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Innovation, Quality and Research, Basalt Rehabilitation Center, The Hague, The Netherlands

    Department of Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

11. Menno van der Holst Aachen Department of Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

    Leiden University Medical Center

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Innovation, Quality and Research, Basalt Rehabilitation Center, The Hague, The Netherlands

    Department of Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands