Articles
A healthy approach to paediatric care
November 27, 2006 5AM
Mater's new Health and Wellness Clinic is taking the concept of the multidisciplinary team providing holistic care to the private sector with a team of skilled paediatric allied health professionals treating children with multiple health care needs.
The clinic is specifically designed to incorporate a co-ordinated team approach to patient care and provide ongoing preventative advice and support to help children maintain an optimal level of function, health and wellbeing. The clinic also aims to improve access to specific paediatric allied health services that are either difficult to access in the present health care system or are not currently available.
Case Example
Two year old Lachlan Alder was recently referred to the Mater Health and Wellness Clinic by his specialist to be assessed for his gross motor, speech and co-ordination difficulties using a co-ordinated approach.
Lachlan's co-ordinated assessment began with an occupational therapy written questionnaire completed by his mother to list the primary areas of concern. Through this process, it was identified that Lachlan's undeveloped speech and walking abilities were most worrying for his family. In line with the philosophy of the Health and Wellness Clinic, a multidisciplinary paediatric team including Physiotherapist, Desiree Fregenti and Speech Therapist, Rebecca King were brought together to treat the child.
Treatment status
Lachlan began his treatment with intensive physiotherapy and speech therapy to develop his skills to be more aligned with other children his age.
The Physiotherapist diagnosed Lachlan as having difficulties with sensory modulation including aversion to movement and gravitational insecurity. Disorders of sensory modulation are considered present when a child over responds, under responds or fluctuates in response to sensory input in a manner disproportional to that input, which indicates that Lachlan is not processing vestibular or balance information efficiently.
The use of therapy balls, a rebounder trampoline and suspended equipment were implemented as part of Lachlan's physiotherapy program to emphasise vestibular stimulation to facilitate appropriate balance and equilibrium reactions for a child his age.
Meanwhile, through speech therapy Lachlan is currently learning how to build up his vocabulary as he is experiencing some difficulties in learning how to talk. As he is a bright child and his speech sounds are age appropriate, the therapist will continue to develop his language skills and in time will start working on helping him to combine words together.
Future
In the upcoming months, Occupational Therapist, Linda Harbison will also be assessing Lachlan to help progress his developmental needs.
Lachlan's case is just one example of the holistic services provided by the Mater Health and Wellness Clinic. Other specialities in the multidisciplinary paediatric team include Dietitians and a Counsellor.
Mater Health and Wellness Clinic specialists are recognised providers with private health funds and HIC. Rebates for services are available where applicable.
The clinic is located on level 2 of Mater Private Clinic, 550 Stanley Street South Brisbane. For referral information, service and clinician details please phone the Mater Health and Wellness Clinic on (07) 3010 5744 or visit wellnessclinic.mater.org.au
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