Compliance to service standards for congenital upper limb deficiency: the Northern Ireland experience.

BACKGROUND

In 2003, the British Society of Rehabilitation Medicine (BSRM) published guidelines on amputee and prosthetic rehabilitation, including those with congenital limb deficiency.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the service provided by the Regional Disablement Service (RDS) to children with congenital upper limb deficiency, against BSRM guidelines.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

Chart review.

RESULTS

Analysis of the group (n = 44) showed 52% were male, with 61% of children affected on the left side, and 73% having a transverse deficiency. Compliance to individual aspects of the guidelines varied considerably. Only 14 (32%) of children had met with the multidisciplinary team by the recommended age of six months. Analysis of referral sources and timings suggested that children were initially seen elsewhere and later referred to RDS after consultation with a surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

RDS compliance with the BSRM guidelines was variable. Particularly disappointing was the low rate of children and families meeting the multidisciplinary team at an early age (< 6 months). The low rate of early referral prompted us to contact all paediatricians in Northern Ireland highlighting the guidelines, the benefits of early contact with RDS and encouraging referral on diagnosis.