Overview
The main purpose of this study is to investigate the medium to long-term outcomes (3-10 years) after Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) in ambulatory children and young people with cerebral palsy.
The participants will complete a survey, come to hospital for some measurements and tests.
Some parents and children and young people will also be invited to take part in an interview to understand their experiences of SDR.
Description
The aim of this study is to investigate medium (3-5 years) to long-term (6-10 years) outcomes after SDR surgery in ambulatory children with CP and explore how it affects families' (CYP's and parents') lives over time.
A convergent parallel mixed methods study has been designed across two work packages (WPs), which will run in parallel. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) will be used as a theoretical framework to guide the data collection and to integrate data from each WP. WP-1 is an observational cohort study and WP-2 is a qualitative study.
In the observational cohort study (WP-1), routinely collected standardised outcome measures will be repeated at one additional time point, more than three years after surgery. This will mirror previous assessments carried out as part of the SDR clinical pathway, which normally concludes two years after surgery. A survey including validated Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) and a study-specific questionnaire will also be administered in WP-1. The qualitative study (WP-2) will involve an in-depth exploration of parents' and CYPs' views through semi-structured interviews to explore parents' and CYPs' experiences, reflections, and perceptions of outcomes and satisfaction of SDR in relation to previous expectations.
The results from the two WPs will be combined by comparing and contrasting findings from both WPs to provide a more holistic understanding and gain deeper insights into longer-term SDR outcomes. Findings will be used to create evidence-based family resources and decision aids to help families decide whether SDR surgery is the right treatment choice for the child and support their preparation and adjustments after SDR.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Children and young people with cerebral palsy (CYPwCP)
- Classified as GMFCS level II and III (ambulatory)
- Aged between 2-15 years at the time of surgery
- Underwent SDR surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) (between 2013- 2021)
- Had baseline (pre-surgery) assessment and at least one follow-up assessment at 6, 12 or 24 months post-SDR
Parents of CYP with CP who have undergone SDR surgery (and meet the above criteria for CYP)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Children with CP classified as GMFCS level IV, V (non-ambulatory)
- Have any unrelated musculoskeletal problems, such as a recent acute injury