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Tsiplova K, Ungar WJ. Why it is so challenging to perform economic evaluations of interventions in autism and what to do about it. Autism Res 2023; 16:2061-2070. [PMID: 37606004 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Economic evaluation is used to determine the optimal provision of services and programs under budget constraints and to inform public and private payer funding decisions. To maximize value-for-money in the design and delivery of programs and services for persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it's essential to generate high-quality economic evidence to inform budget allocation. There is a paucity however, of economic evaluations of interventions for ASD. This is due in part to challenges in conducting economic evaluations in this population and the lack of guidance on suitable approaches. These challenges are related to the inherent heterogeneity of the autistic population; establishing short- and long-term effectiveness; measurement of costs and the availability of valid instruments for collecting economic data; the appropriateness of outcomes for use in economic evaluation; and achieving statistical power. This commentary addresses a lack of awareness and needed guidance on these issues by discussing the challenges and providing recommendations for how economic evaluations in ASD could be improved to generate high-quality evidence for program funding decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Tsiplova
- Program of Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Program of Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Paquet A, Dionne C, Joly J, Rousseau M, Rivard M, Lemire C. Competency drivers to support implementation of early intensive behavioral intervention in large-scale community-based services: Perspectives of caseworkers and organization representatives. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2023; 97:102211. [PMID: 36592543 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2022.102211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Implementing evidence-based practices in "real-world" settings poses significant challenges. Organizations involved must address this issue by providing supportive infrastructures. Among the elements to consider are competency drivers, which refer to the selection, training, and supervision of caseworkers. The purpose of this study was to describe the perspectives of caseworkers and representatives on competency drivers that organizations put in place to support the implementation of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) in large-scale community-based services. The sample consisted of 109 caseworkers and 23 organization representatives who completed questionnaires. Results demonstrated that respondents consider clinical support and training as key elements in EIBI implementation. However, despite recognizing these factors, respondents reported considerable variability in practices. It appears necessary to better define and plan the implementation of these competency drivers with a view to improving EIBI implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Paquet
- Département de psychoéducation, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351, boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, Québec G8Z 4M3, Canada.
| | - Carmen Dionne
- Département de psychoéducation, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351, boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, Québec G8Z 4M3, Canada.
| | - Jacques Joly
- Département de psychoéducation, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke, Québec J1K 2R1, Canada.
| | - Myriam Rousseau
- CIUSSS Mauricie Centre-du-Québec, 3090, rue Foucher, Trois-Rivières, Québec G8Z 1M3, Canada.
| | - Mélina Rivard
- Département de psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, 100 rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, Québec H2X 3P2, Canada.
| | - Colombe Lemire
- Département de psychoéducation, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, 3351, boulevard des Forges, Trois-Rivières, Québec G8Z 4M3, Canada.
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3
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Tsiplova K, Ungar WJ, Szatmari P, Cost K, Pullenayegum E, Duku E, Volden J, Smith IM, Waddell C, Zwaigenbaum L, Bennett TA, Elsabbagh M, Georgiades S, Zaidman-Zait A. Measuring the association between behavioural services and outcomes in young children with autism spectrum disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 132:104392. [PMID: 36493738 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) receive a wide range of services. AIMS To examine the association between behavioural services received by children with ASD between ages 2 and 5 years and outcomes during primary school years. METHODS A total of 414 preschool-aged children diagnosed with ASD were enrolled at five Canadian sites and were assessed within four months of diagnosis (T1), six months later (T2), 12 months later (T3), at school entry (T4), and then annually (T5-T8) to 11 years of age. The association between the receipt of behavioural services during T1 to T3 and T8 outcomes related to adaptive behaviour and behavioural problems was modelled using linear regressions adjusted for immigrant status, family income, child's age at diagnosis, site, sex assigned at birth, and baseline (T1) outcome. RESULTS Children who received behavioural services during at least one time period from T1 to T3 did not have significantly different outcomes at T8 than children who did not receive any behavioural services. IMPLICATIONS Pre-school use of behavioural services was not found to affect outcomes during later childhood. Numerous challenges accompany studies of the association between pre-school service use and later outcomes in a heterogeneous ASD sample. Recommendations for study design are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Tsiplova
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 11th floor, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 11th floor, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M6, Canada.
| | - Peter Szatmari
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1×8, Canada
| | - Katherine Cost
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1×8, Canada
| | - Eleanor Pullenayegum
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 11th floor, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 0A4, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Eric Duku
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, Administration B3, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Joanne Volden
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 8205 114 Street, 3-48 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G4, Canada
| | - Isabel M Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, IWK Health Centre, 5850 University Avenue, P. O. Box 9700, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada; Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, 4th Floor Link Building, 5850/5980 University Avenue, P.O. Box 9700, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 6R8, Canada
| | - Charlotte Waddell
- Children's Health Policy Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Room 2435, 515 West Hastings Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 5K, Canada
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, 11405-87 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Teresa A Bennett
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, Administration B3, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, Administration B3, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Anat Zaidman-Zait
- Department of School Counseling and Special Education, Constantiner School of Education, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; The School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2206 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Hurd CL, Barnes M, Diot CM, Condliffe EG, Alazem H, Pritchard L, Zwicker JD, McCormick A, Watt MJ, Andersen J, Kirton A, Yang JF. Parent-therapist partnership to ELEVATE gross motor function in children with perinatal stroke: protocol for a mixed methods randomized controlled trial. BMC Pediatr 2022; 22:480. [PMID: 35948896 PMCID: PMC9364526 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-022-03525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is increasing evidence for early, active rehabilitation to enhance motor function following early brain injury. This is clear for interventions targeting the upper extremity, whereas passive treatment approaches for the lower extremity persist. The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of early, intensive rehabilitation targeting the lower extremity and delivered in a parent-therapist partnership model for children with perinatal stroke. Methods We describe a protocol for a waitlist-control, single-blind, mixed methods effectiveness randomized controlled trial, with an embedded qualitative study using interpretative description. Participants are children with perinatal stroke aged eight months to three years with signs of hemiparesis. Participants will be randomly allocated to an immediate ELEVATE (Engaging the Lower Extremity Via Active Therapy Early) intervention group, or a waitlist-control group, who will receive usual care for six months. The ELEVATE intervention involves one hour of training four days per week for 12 weeks, with a pediatric therapist and a parent or guardian each delivering two sessions per week. The intervention targets the affected lower extremity by progressively challenging the child while standing and walking. The primary outcome measure is the Gross Motor Function Measure-66. Secondary outcomes include the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™, Young Children's Participation and Environment Measure, and an instrumented measure of spasticity. A cost-effectiveness analysis and qualitative component will explore benefit to costs ratios and parents’ perspectives of early, intensive rehabilitation, and their role as a partner in the rehabilitation, respectively. Discussion This study has the potential to change current rehabilitation for young children with perinatal stroke if the ELEVATE intervention is effective. The parent interviews will provide further insight into benefits and challenges of a partnership model of rehabilitation. The mixed methods design will enable optimization for transfer of this collaborative approach into physical therapy practice. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03672864. Registered 17 September 2018. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-022-03525-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin L Hurd
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2-50 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G4, Canada
| | - Michelle Barnes
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2-50 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G4, Canada
| | | | - Elizabeth G Condliffe
- Departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hana Alazem
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Lesley Pritchard
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2-50 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G4, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Zwicker
- School of Public Policy and Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Anna McCormick
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ottawa, and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Man-Joe Watt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, and Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - John Andersen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, and Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Adam Kirton
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jaynie F Yang
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2-50 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G4, Canada.
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5
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Salvino C, Spencer C, Filipe AM, Lach LM. Mapping of Financial Support Programs for Children With Neurodisabilities Across Canada: Barriers and Discrepancies Within a Patchwork System. JOURNAL OF DISABILITY POLICY STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/10442073211066776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A cross-jurisdictional pan-Canadian environmental scan was conducted to identify provincial, territorial, and federal financial supports available to families with children living with neurodisabilities. In partnership with the organization Childhood Disability LINK, flowchart-styled pathway documents were developed for each financial support identified, mapping out the processes required to access each support. A critical analysis was completed as it relates to structural barriers, accessibility of program information and geographic discrepancies. The results revealed that, despite almost universal availability of programs to support families of children living with neurodisabilities, significant barriers and inequity remain. This included considerable variation in access to financial support based on geographic and jurisdictional discrepancies, absence of adequate and accurate information about programs, and minimal support provided to families in the application process. We argue that the barriers and discrepancies identified were an inherent result of the Canadian federalist fragmentation of the delivery of social care and financial support programs for children living with neurodisabilities. A more unified response by Canadian provincial, territorial, and federal governments is clearly needed to take positive steps to address the consequences of federalist fragmentation and respond to the structural barriers and geographic discrepancies identified by this study.
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6
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Comparing the Impact of Differing Preschool Autism Interventions on Parents in Two Canadian Provinces. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:5018-5032. [PMID: 34837153 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05349-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is effective for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parental measures are rarely included in EIBI effectiveness studies, yet parental distress and lower self-efficacy are associated with poorer child outcomes. Parents of preschoolers with ASD (N = 485) were surveyed at baseline (T1), one-year post-intervention (T2), and school entry (T3) about family distress/crisis, parental self-efficacy, and satisfaction with services in two Canadian provinces. Family distress/crisis decreased and parental self-efficacy increased from T1 to T2. Increases in self-efficacy were largely maintained at T3. Parents were highly satisfied with services. Greater satisfaction for those residing in the province utilizing a parent-coaching model suggests that parent involvement is associated with positive parent outcomes.
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7
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Brooks JD, Arneja J, Fu L, Saxena FE, Tu K, Pinzaru VB, Anagnostou E, Nylen K, Saunders NR, Lu H, McLaughlin J, Bronskill SE. Assessing the validity of administrative health data for the identification of children and youth with autism spectrum disorder in Ontario. Autism Res 2021; 14:1037-1045. [PMID: 33694293 PMCID: PMC8252648 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Population‐level identification of children and youth with ASD is essential for surveillance and planning for required services. The objective of this study was to develop and validate an algorithm for the identification of children and youth with ASD using administrative health data. In this retrospective validation study, we linked an electronic medical record (EMR)‐based reference standard, consisting 10,000 individuals aged 1–24 years, including 112 confirmed ASD cases to Ontario administrative health data, for the testing of multiple case‐finding algorithms. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for each algorithm. The optimal algorithm was validated in three external cohorts representing family practice, education, and specialized clinical settings. The optimal algorithm included an ASD diagnostic code for a single hospital discharge or emergency department visit or outpatient surgery, or three ASD physician billing codes in 3 years. This algorithm's sensitivity was 50.0% (95%CI 40.7–88.7%), specificity 99.6% (99.4–99.7), PPV 56.6% (46.8–66.3), and NPV 99.4% (99.3–99.6). The results of this study illustrate limitations and need for cautious interpretation when using administrative health data alone for the identification of children and youth with ASD. Lay Summary We tested algorithms (set of rules) to identify young people with ASD using routinely collected administrative health data. Even the best algorithm misses more than half of those in Ontario with ASD. To understand this better, we tested how well the algorithm worked in different settings (family practice, education, and specialized clinics). The identification of individuals with ASD at a population level is essential for planning for support services and the allocation of resources. Autism Res 2021, 14: 1037–1045. © 2021 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Brooks
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jasleen Arneja
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Longdi Fu
- ICES, G1 06, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Karen Tu
- North York General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital Family Health Team-University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirk Nylen
- Ontario Brain Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natasha R Saunders
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,ICES, G1 06, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hong Lu
- ICES, G1 06, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John McLaughlin
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan E Bronskill
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,ICES, G1 06, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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8
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Bieleninik Ł, Gold C. Estimating Components and Costs of Standard Care for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Europe from a Large International Sample. Brain Sci 2021; 11:340. [PMID: 33800056 PMCID: PMC7999124 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: European guidelines provide recommendations for services and care for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but not all interventions are generally available. Knowledge of service use and costs and wider societal costs in Europe is limited; (2) Method: Using an international sample, we analysed services and costs in 357 children (4-6.99 years) with ASD based on parent reports. Costs were transformed into EU-28 average using purchasing power parity; (3) Results: 122 children (34%) received specialist autism services; 149 (42%) received sensory/motor therapy; 205 (57%) received speech/language therapy; 35 (10%) received play therapy; 55 (15%) received behavioural interventions; 31 (9%) received social skills training; 47 (13%) participated in therapeutic recreational activities; and 59 (17%) received other services. The total number of hours for these services combined over two months was M = 34 (SD = 63; range: 0 -372). Estimated total costs of health-related services were M = 1210 EUR (SD = 2160 EUR); indirect societal costs were M = 1624 EUR (SD = 1317 EUR). Regression analyses suggested that costs rise with age and presence of intellectual disabilities, but not with severity of autism; (4) Conclusions: The high extent of community-based services indicates good accessibility but also considerable variation in the receipt of services. The costs of autism services are considerable. Further research is needed to investigate whether services received match individual needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Łucja Bieleninik
- GAMUT—The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, 5838 Bergen, Norway; or
- Institute of Psychology, University of Gdańsk, 80-309 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Christian Gold
- GAMUT—The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, 5838 Bergen, Norway; or
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
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9
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Berrigan P, Hodge J, Kirton A, Moretti ME, Ungar WJ, Zwicker JD. Protocol for a cost-utility analysis of neurostimulation and intensive camp-based therapy for children with perinatal stroke and hemiparesis based on a multicentre clinical trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041444. [PMID: 33468454 PMCID: PMC7817786 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Perinatal stroke leads to cerebral palsy (CP) and lifelong disability for thousands of Canadian children. Hemiparesis, referring to impaired functionality in one side of the body, is a common complication of perinatal stroke. Standard long-term care for hemiparetic CP focuses on rehabilitation therapies. Early research suggests that patients with hemiparesis may benefit from adjunctive neuromodulation treatments such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). tDCS uses electric current to stimulate targeted areas of the brain non-invasively, potentially enhancing the effects of motor learning therapies. This protocol describes an economic evaluation to be conducted alongside a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to assess the incremental cost of tDCS added to a camp-based therapy compared with camp-based therapy alone per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained in children with hemiparetic CP. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Stimulation for Perinatal Stroke Optimising Recovery Trajectories (SPORT) trial is a multicentre RCT evaluating tDCS added to a 2-week camp-based therapy for children aged 6-18 years with perinatal ischaemic stroke and disabling hemiparetic CP affecting the upper limb. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, 1 week, 2 months and 6 months following intervention. Cost and quality of life data are collected at baseline and 6 months and results will be used to conduct a cost-utility analysis (CUA). The evaluation will be conducted from the perspectives of the public healthcare system and society. The CUA will be conducted over a 6-month time horizon. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval for the SPORT trial and the associated economic evaluation has been given by the research ethics boards at each of the study sites. The findings of the economic evaluation will be submitted for publication in a peer reviewed academic journal and submitted for presentation at conference. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03216837; Post-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Berrigan
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jacquie Hodge
- Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Adam Kirton
- Departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Myla E Moretti
- Ontario Child Health Support Unit and the Clinical Trials Unit, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Technology Assessment at SickKids, Program of Child Heath Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer D Zwicker
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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10
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Smith IM, Waddell C, Ungar WJ, den Otter J, Murray P, Vezina F, D'Entremont B, Flanagan HE, Garon N. Preschool autism services: A tale of two Canadian provinces and the implications for policy. Paediatr Child Health 2020; 26:145-148. [PMID: 33936332 DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxaa097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition, assessment and treatment services vary widely across Canada-potentially creating inequities. To highlight this, the Preschool Autism Treatment Impact study compared children's services and outcomes in New Brunswick (NB) and Nova Scotia (NS). Diagnostic practices, service delivery models, wait times, and treatment approaches differed, as did children's 1-year outcomes and costs for families and the public sector. Considering NB and NS strengths, we suggest that an optimal system would include: rapid access to high-quality diagnostic and intervention services; adherence to research-informed practice guidelines; interventions to enhance parents' skills and self-efficacy; and measures to minimize financial burdens for families. Our results also suggest that provinces/territories must do more to ensure equitable access to effective services, including sharing and reporting on national comparative data. Canadian children with ASD deserve access to effective and consistent services, no matter where they live.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.,Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.,Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | - Charlotte Waddell
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario
| | - Jeffrey den Otter
- Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Government of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick
| | - Patricia Murray
- Department of Health and Wellness, Government of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | - Francine Vezina
- Health Promotion and Mental Health & Addictions, Department of Health and Wellness, Government of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia
| | - Barbara D'Entremont
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick
| | | | - Nancy Garon
- Department of Psychology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick
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11
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Rothwell DW, Lach LM, Kohen DE, Findlay LC, Arim RG. Income trajectories of families raising a child with a neurodisability. Disabil Rehabil 2020; 44:1923-1932. [PMID: 32898428 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2020.1811782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine household income trajectories of children with and without neurodisability over a period of 6 years. METHOD We used four cycles of the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, a longitudinal study of the development and well-being of Canadian children from birth into adulthood. RESULTS While household income increased over time for both groups, families of children with neurodisability had consistently lower household income compared to families of children without neurodisability even after controlling for child and family socio-demographic characteristics. The presence of an interaction effect between parent work status and child with neurodisability at baseline indicated that among children whose parent(s) were not working at baseline, household incomes did not differ between children with and without neurodisability. CONCLUSIONS The association between child with neurodisability and lower household income may not hold for all types of parents', working status is an important consideration.Implications for RehabilitationFindings support the health selection hypothesis that health status shapes diverging economic conditions over time: children with a ND have lower household incomes than children without a ND child across all waves of the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Youth.Income gaps did not increase or decrease over time; rehabilitation services and policies must consider the lower average incomes associated with raising a child with a ND.Social assistance support likely plays a key role in closing the gap, especially for non-working families.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Rothwell
- Oregon State University, Human Development and Family Sciences, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lucyna M Lach
- McGill University, School of Social Work, Montreal, Canada
| | - Dafna E Kohen
- Health Analysis Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Rubab G Arim
- Health Analysis Division, Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Canada
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12
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (referred to here as autism) is one of several overlapping neurodevelopmental conditions that have variable impacts on different individuals. This variability results from dynamic interactions between biological and non-biological risk factors, which result in increasing differentiation between individuals over time. Although this differentiation continues well into adulthood, the infancy period is when the brain and behavior develop rapidly, and when the first signs and symptoms of autism emerge. This review discusses advances in our understanding of the causal pathways leading to autism and overlapping neurodevelopmental conditions. Research is also mapping trajectories of brain and behavioral development for some risk groups, namely later born siblings of children with autism and/or infants referred because of developmental concerns. This knowledge has been useful in improving early identification and establishing the feasibility of targeted interventions for infant risk groups before symptoms arise. However, key knowledge gaps remain, such as the discovery of protective factors (biological or environmental) that may mitigate the impact of risk. Also, the dynamic mechanisms that underlie the associations between risk factors and outcomes need further research. These include the processes of resilience, which may explain why some individuals at risk for autism achieve better than expected outcomes. Bridging these knowledge gaps would help to provide tools for early identification and intervention that reflect dynamic developmental pathways from risk to outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayada Elsabbagh
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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13
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Smith IM, Flanagan HE, Ungar WJ, D'Entremont B, Garon N, den Otter J, Waddell C, Bryson SE, Tsiplova K, Léger N, Vezina F, Murray P. Comparing the 1-year impact of preschool autism intervention programs in two Canadian provinces. Autism Res 2019; 12:667-681. [PMID: 30632299 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with early differences in children's social interactions, communication, and play/interests. In many countries, considerable resources are invested in early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) programs for children with ASD, which aim to build adaptive skills and prevent or treat problem behavior. However, these programs vary widely in structure and delivery. Research evidence supports the efficacy of EIBI, but large knowledge gaps remain about the effectiveness of publicly funded EIBI programs. With policy-makers as formal research partners, we compared children's progress over 1 year in public preschool programs in adjacent Canadian provinces, New Brunswick (NB) and Nova Scotia (NS). In NB, children received up to 20 hr/week of comprehensive EIBI in a publicly funded, privately provided program. In NS, children received up to 15 hr/week of Pivotal Response Treatment and Positive Behavior Support delivered through the publicly funded healthcare system. In this observational parallel cohort study, we collected parent-reported data on 298 NB preschoolers (76.5% boys) and 221 NS preschoolers (86.9% boys) at EIBI start and 1 year later. Multilevel analysis revealed significant differences at baseline: NS children were older, with lower adaptive functioning and more severe ASD symptoms than NB children. Despite these pre-treatment differences that favor NB, children in both provinces showed similar adaptive functioning gains and reductions of maladaptive behavior. No changes were seen in mean ASD symptom severity in either province over time. Results highlight the value of evaluating interventions in their implementation contexts, and have important implications for devising optimal ASD policy. Autism Research 2019, 12: 667-681. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research,Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: We need to know more about the impact of different forms of early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We showed that preschoolers with ASD gained important skills while in public EIBI programs in two Canadian provinces. We also saw that differences in how EIBI programs are structured and characteristics of children who are served may affect outcomes. For these reasons, policy making requires evidence that fits the local context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Helen E Flanagan
- Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Wendy J Ungar
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barbara D'Entremont
- Department of Psychology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Nancy Garon
- Department of Psychology, Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Jeffrey den Otter
- Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Government of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Charlotte Waddell
- Children's Health Policy Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Susan E Bryson
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Autism Research Centre, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kate Tsiplova
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalie Léger
- Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Government of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
| | - Francine Vezina
- Department of Health and Wellness, Government of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Patricia Murray
- Department of Health and Wellness, Government of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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