Factors impacting pediatric allied health professionals’ confidence and interest treating functional neurological disorder in the United States
Jason Kreuzman, Emily Leonard, Ashleigh Kester
Journal of Medical & Allied Sciences (2024)
- Occupational, Pediatric
- Clinical Study, Research Translation
Key Takeaways
- Many pediatric allied healthcare professionals (AHPs) feel unsure about how to treat functional neurological disorder (FND) in children.
- Practical experience seems to boost confidence in treating FND more than years of general experience.
- Different therapies like PT, OT, and speech therapy can work together to improve care for FND.
- Early career AHPs showed more interest in FND, possibly due to modern training focusing on FND.
- More research is needed to understand the best ways to train AHPs in managing pediatric FND.
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Overview
This summary looks at what influences AHPs’ confidence and interest in treating children with FND in the U.S. The study surveyed AHPs to see how experience and education impact their approach to FND, significant for understanding how to improve care services for these patients.
Discussion
The study conducted a survey including 239 AHPs across 32 hospitals in 18 states. Participants included physical, occupational, and speech therapists. Â
Participants: 110 physical therapists, 92 occupational therapists, 37 speech therapists.
Interventions Explored: Various therapeutic approaches for FND; interest and confidence in these methods.
Outcomes Measured: Levels of interest and confidence in treating pediatric FND.
Findings:
- A large portion felt neutral or not confident in treating FND.
- Therapists with on-the-job exposure to FND felt more confident regardless of general experience.
- Early career therapists expressed higher interest in FND, likely due to modern training.
Limitations: The study didn’t verify credentials or account for evidence-based treatment by participants.
Next Steps
If you have FND, here are some steps you can consider:
- Share the benefit of experiential learning with your therapy team.
- Ask your therapist if they have experience with pediatric FND.
- Keep a symptom diary to help your therapist see treatment progress.
- Connect with other FND families for support and experience-sharing.
- Remember, continued research means improvements in FND care are on the horizon.
Reference
Kreuzman J, Leonard E, Kester A. Factors impacting pediatric allied health professionals’ confidence and interest treating functional neurological disorder in the United States: A survey study. Journal of Medical & Allied Sciences. 2024;14(2):38-44. doi:10.5455/jmas.203164
This summary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. It is not intended to replace professional consultation or treatment. Always consult qualified providers regarding your specific circumstances, symptoms, or questions.