Developmental Coordination Disorder in Alberta: A Journey into Knowledge Translation

Abstract

Aim: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a motor disorder affecting coordination and performance in daily tasks. Studies regarding design and implementation of knowledge translation strategies effecting DCD practice changes in pediatric rehabilitation settings is limited and DCD remains under-recognized and under-diagnosed with an under-utilization of evidence-based practice. This knowledge-to-practice gap was identified in central Alberta, Canada when a lower caseload of clients with DCD and a lower rate of DCD referrals to a neurodevelopmental assessment clinic was observed, given its 5-6% prevalence in children. This paper describes and discusses the development and implementation of a replicable process of knowledge translation for integrating DCD evidence into frontline practice.

Methods: Structures such as the Knowledge to Action framework were retrofitted and used to describe activities that occurred during the knowledge translation process. Main activities consisted of: information dissemination; education; addition of DCD to a neurodevelopmental assessment clinic; and development of a Community of Practice. Outcome evaluation methods included surveys, interviews, referral tracking, and database creation.

Results: Knowledge translation strategy implementation resulted in increased knowledge among clinicians and community stakeholders, process standardization, increased referrals querying DCD, established knowledge brokers, and practice change.

Conclusion: Pre-determined and systematic implementation strategy design is essential for embedding evidence into frontline practice.

Keywords:

• DCD
• developmental coordination disorder
• knowledge to action framework
• knowledge translation
• pediatric rehabilitation

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank Alberta Health Services and Jennifer Dellezay, Central Zone East Area Manager, for supporting the Central Zone East Developmental Coordination Disorder Resource Team.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.