Affiliations: Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, ON,
Canada | Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital,
Toronto, ON, Canada | Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of
Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada | Abilities Centre, Whitby, ON, Canada | University of Nottingham, Nottingham, England,
UK
Abstract: Childhood obesity is a global health concern, but children with
spina bifida in particular have unique interacting risk factors for increased
weight. PURPOSE: To identify and explore current clinical practices
around weight assessment and management in pediatric spina bifida clinics. METHODS: An online, self-report survey of healthcare professionals (HCPs) was
conducted in all pediatric spina bifida clinics across Canada (15 clinics).
Summary and descriptive statistics were calculated and descriptive thematic
analysis was performed on free text responses. RESULTS: 52 responses
across all 15 clinics indicated that weight and height were assessed and
recorded most of the time using a wide variety of methods, although some HCPs
questioned their suitability for children with spina bifida. Weight and height
information was not routinely communicated to patients and their families and
HCPS identified considerable barriers to discussing weight-related information
in consultations. CONCLUSION: Despite weight and height reportedly being
measured regularly, HCPs expressed concern over the lack of appropriate
assessment and classification tools. Communication across multi-disciplinary
team members is required to ensure that children with weight-related issues do
not inadvertently get overlooked. Specific skill training around weight-related
issues and optimizing consultation time should be explored further for HCPs
working with this population.
