Measuring What Matters : Paediatric Assessments and Outcome Measures Demystified.

brisbane exercise physiologists brisbane pilates child development Sep 01, 2023

In the field of child development, precise measurement and assessment play a pivotal role in gauging progress and tailoring interventions effectively. Although as I have learnt over the years and through literature and studies I have discovered that it is a little different for the paediatric population. Here I am going to delve into the key considerations in regards to paediatric assessments, the significance of holistic measurement of intervention and how we can use both quantitative and qualitative measures to gain a thorough understanding of where a child is at and how they are progressing. It provides insights and resources that will benefit all allied health professionals.

Understanding the Landscape:

Assessments is one of my most frequently asked questions by exercise physiologists, we are conditioned and training to capture data at the start, middle and end of any intervention that we provide. But that looks a little different when working with kids and we just need to get comfortable with that. There are many motor and developmental assessments that we can use but remember that there is power in numbers, lets lean on the other health professionals working with kids to gain the best understanding of where a child is at and how we can best help them.

Milestones and Red Flags:

Milestones can be a sticky point, it is one of those things that you want to consider but with caution. Relying too heavily on milestone guides can cause unwarranted anxiety and pressure for everyone. Best to keep it individual and goals-based! Remember red flags are when the developmental of a skill or difficulty with a particular skill or group of skills is when it starts to cause concern or interrupt learning, health and development.

Setting the Goal:

When we are working with children we are considering several different goals. The first step is to identify plan goals if applicable under the NDIS and collaborate with the health professionals on board to ensure we are working toward these goals in our individual intervention or for educators and parents it might be curriculum goals. From there we can start to develop specific goals based on our intervention and work out what we need to measure before we start.

The Power of Observation:

Sometimes evidence-based interventions direct us away from the power of observation. Remember to note how the child is participating, how engaged they are and how they respond to the session during and after. This is key to the overall impact of your intervention!

Assessments

Here is a brief overview of both qualitative and quantitative assessments in all key areas of development for you to consider.

Measuring Motor Progress:

Measuring motor progress encompasses a range of tools, from postural assessments and jump tests to a child-friendly Borg scale for perceived exertion. These methodologies help assess a child's physical development and capabilities.

Sensory Sensitivity Assessment:

Understanding a child's sensory sensitivities is crucial. By using assessments like the Pediatric Balance Scale we can physically assess their sensory responses and then through questionnaires such as sensory profile questionnaires, professionals can tailor interventions to sensory needs and track progress.

Cognitive Processing Measurement:

The cognitive impact of exercise is regularly undersold so getting some key measures in place are key to understanding the progression of cognitive skills. Activities like crossing the midline exercises, cognitively engaging tasks, and standardised cognitive tests all contribute to a holistic picture of a child's development.

Regulation and Social-Emotional Engagement:

Social-emotional development and self-regulation are hot topics in relation to paediatric health, development and learning. And we can track these! Combining qualitative elements like participation and relationships with others in addition to quantitative metrics such as the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and PedsQL offers a holistic view of a child's emotional well-being.

Language and Communication Assessment:

It goes without saying that working with speech therapists is key if there are language and communication difficulties. However, knowing the power of movement in relation to engaging both expressive and receptive language is key in our observation of how a child is processing language.

Effective Reporting:

When reporting assessment results, professionals should focus on function and capacity rather than condition specifically and align interventions with NDIS goals, and justify recommendations with measurable outcomes. Effective reporting ensures comprehensive communication with parents and caregivers.

Comprehensive assessment methodologies empower Australian paediatric professionals to make informed decisions, customise interventions, and provide top-tier care. By embracing a holistic approach and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we ensure that our interventions leave a lasting positive impact on children's lives.

For more on Peadiatric Assessments check out my recent mentor session via my mentor membership along with over 50 other live webinars!

Measuring What Matters : Paediatric Assessments and Outcome Measures Demystified.

Join The FREE Masterclass: Movement Mastery