P.076 Tone management: an environmental scan of current management practices across Canada

Abstract

Background: Currently, there are no standardized approaches to care or evaluation for tone dysfunction in Canada. The study authors hypothesize that there is significant practice variation across the country. This environmental scan is aimed to describe the current practice for management of patients with hypertonia across Canada. Methods: A web-based survey was developed by the authors with a multi-disciplinary approach and sent to representative rehabilitation sites in each province. All statistical analyses were performed using the R statistical software version 4.0. Results: CP was found to be the most common diagnosis for tone dysfunction, with 58% (7/12) of sites diagnosing greater than 20 new patients per year. All 12 sites offered oral baclofen and gabapentin, and 92% of sites offered trihexyphenidyl. Botulinum toxin injections were offered at 50% of sites. Upper and lower extremity procedures were offered in 83% of the sites. In 8 of 12 sites (67%), patients were seen within a formal multidisciplinary clinic to manage hypertonia. Conclusions: The information gained from this study provides some insight into the current practice across Canada for children with hypertonia. This study may assist in the development of a national, standardized strategy to tone management, potentially facilitating more equitable access to care for patients.