Developing a province-wide hip surveillance program for children with cerebral palsy: from evidence to consensus to program implementation: a mini-review

Abstract

Hip displacement is a common orthopedic problem in children with cerebral palsy (CP) that can result in significant morbidity. Hip surveillance has been shown to reduce the incidence of hip dislocations in children with CP and to reduce the need for salvage hip surgeries. Guidelines for hip surveillance have been developed and can be adapted to meet local needs. Implementation of surveillance guidelines for a population of children is complex and highly dependent upon the region, province/ state, or country’s system of care for children with CP. Recognizing that implementation of the evidence on hip surveillance was necessary in British Columbia, a Canadian province spanning 1 million square kilometers, a comprehensive, coordinated approach to hip surveillance was developed collaboratively by provincial stakeholders. Surveillance guidelines and a desired implementation plan were established based on the best available research evidence, current international practice, and service delivery in British Columbia. Staged implementation preceded full provincial roll out. Implementation was supported by detailed communication, knowledge translation, and evaluation plans. This province-wide hip surveillance program is the first of its kind in North America.