Adapting to higher demands: using innovative methods to treat infants presenting with torticollis and plagiocephaly.

PURPOSE

Referrals for torticollis/plagiocephaly have increased dramatically because of "Back to Sleep" campaigns and front-line staff becoming more proficient at recognition and referral to physiotherapy. These infants generally respond well to early intervention so longer waitlists raise concern about clinical outcomes due to delay.

METHODS

Therapists developed a group-based, team service delivery model based on best practices in individual treatment programs. The program was implemented and evaluated for assessment and treatment of infants presenting with these conditions, including caregiver satisfaction.

RESULTS

Compared with individual treatment, the group format enabled therapists to increase capacity to serve this population by 70%, with equivalent quality and achievement of discharge criteria, as well as a modest service cost saving per child. Caregiver questionnaires indicate satisfaction with the service.

CONCLUSIONS

Group service delivery is a cost-effective and efficient way to manage increased referrals for torticollis/plagiocephaly while maintaining comparable treatment outcomes.

VIDEO ABSTRACT

For more insights from the authors, see Supplemental Digital Content 1, available at http://links.lww.com/PPT/A64.