G466 Fun 'n' games website impact survey. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jesmont, C; Pearce, JE; Basu, A
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 104:(2019)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A188
• Page End: A188
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-rcpch.451
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Following completion of a trial to assess the effectiveness of parent-delivered action observation therapy on upper limb function in unilateral cerebral palsy, the website Fun 'n' Games was developed to provide free access to materials developed during the trial which focused on improving bimanual hand function in children with hemiplegia through the use of games/toys. We wished to obtain feedback from healthcare professionals, regarding how they used the website and materials, to ascertain the level of awareness of the website and to understand how we can improve future use. Aim: To evaluate the use of the Fun 'N' Games website by healthcare professionals providing therapy for children with hemiplegia. Methods: An anonymous web survey was created using the Bristol Online Survey tool which was approved through Newcastle University Faculty of Medical Sciences Ethics Committee and distributed to: website users who had agreed to be approached for feedback purposes, the Upper Limb Clinical Network, the Children and Young People section of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, and the Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists. The survey was open between 12th March 2018 and 1 st April 2018. Results: The survey had 78 respondents, predominantly physiotherapists (65.4%) or occupational therapists (30.8%) who worked in a community setting (64.1%), with 47.2% of respondents having 20 or more years of experience working with children with hemiplegia. 60.3% of respondents were not already aware of the website. 30/31 felt it provided them with a resource not previously available, and 22/31 already used the materials in their practice. 20/22 respondents to subsequent questionnaire items said that the website saved them time; and all 22 agreed that the materials were effective in encouraging use of the affected hand and arm, with 11/22 stating improvements in hand-function. Further work suggestions included expansion to include games for the lower limb and inclusion of children's hands in the photographic materials. Free text comments included statements regarding positive feedback from parents. Discussion: The survey identified that the website provides a new resource that saves professionals time and encourages use of the affected arm and hand in children with hemiplegia. Further awareness-raising regarding the website would be beneficial, particularly for paediatricians with an interest in disability.