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Together We Can Work Magic
One word describes RCC's clinics -- teamwork. Every child
that enters our outpatient clinics has access to the full
range of services and programs offered by RCC. Individually
these team members offer leadership and expertise in the
area of pediatric rehabilitation. But it is the partnership
of the RCC team with the children and families of the
Centre that is the true magic -- one team devoted to the
health and well-being of children.
Table of Contents:
Assistive Technology Clinic
Children living with physical disabilities often require
specialized equipment to aid in mobility, seating, standing
and activities of daily living. Many of these devices
are designed and customized at RCC. Ongoing assessment
and modification of these devices, as well as of commercially
available devices, are conducted in the Assistive Technology
Clinic.
The rehabilitation team, consisting of an orthopedic surgeon,
occupational therapist, physiotherapist, orthotist, assistive
technology engineer and technician meets with the child
and caregivers to assess the child's physical status and
review motor skills, mental status and functional status.
The team members assess each piece of equipment the child
brings, and make recommendations about new pieces of equipment
that may help the child with sitting, positioning and
mobility.
Close collaboration between the Assistive Technology team
and other agencies providing care to the child, such as
therapy agencies, wheelchair services, third party funding
agencies and private rehabilitation technology suppliers,
ensures continuity of care for the child and family.
Feeding Clinic
The Feeding Clinic provides specialized assessment and
treatment of feeding concerns in children with dysphagia,
physical, neurological or developmental disabilities.
Children are seen for a variety of reasons, including
coughing and choking, weight loss, the inability to chew
food, or the desire to initiate oral feeding in tube-fed
children.
The weekly clinic is staffed by a developmental pediatrician
and occupational therapist. Together the team works with
caregivers and families to evaluate oral motor skills,
positioning for feeding and the motor skills needed for
the child to feed himself or herself. The team provides
families and caregivers with the skills and training needed
to carry out feeding routines and oral-motor treatment
plans.
Patient information handouts on food textures and thickeners,
as well as "High Fat, Low Chew " cookbook are
distributed to families. The child's height, weight and
progress with the feeding routine are monitored on subsequent
follow-up visits to the clinic.
General Orthopedic Clinics
Upon referral from a family physician or pediatrician,
children experiencing orthopedic problems are seen in
the orthopedic clinic. Children attending this clinic
may require bracing for a congenital or acquired orthopedic
condition, for postoperative assessment and treatment
or follow-up following an injury.
Referrals to other team members at RCC may be made, including
Assistive Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Augmentative
and Alternative Communication, and the Scoliosis and Neuromuscular
therapy programs.
Juvenile Amputee Clinic
Children who have lost a limb, or are born without a limb
require the services of the Juvenile Amputee Clinic. The
team, consisting of an orthopedic surgeon, prosthetist,
occupational therapist and physiotherapist work with the
child and family to assess the need for limb replacement.
The physician conducts an assessment of the child's orthopedic
and functional status. The physiotherapist reviews the
child's walking status and general physical abilities.
Upon prescription from the physician, the prosthetist
fits and constructs a prosthesis that will meet the individual
needs, lifestyle and environment of the client. The occupational
therapist provides training in the use of prosthetic devices
when needed.
Assessment of the limb, instruction in the care and use
of the prosthesis, and gait training (if needed) are provided
to the child. Because children grow rapidly, it is essential
that the child be assessed on a regular basis to determine
the need for a new prosthesis and to prevent skin or tissue
problems.
Neuromuscular Clinic
Manitoba's children with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular
atrophy and other muscular problems receive specialized
assessment and treatment from RCC's neuromuscular program.
The physicians at this clinic carefully review the health
and functional status of the child, and work with the
child and families to prevent and correct complications
such as respiratory problems, muscle contractures and
body positioning concerns. The occupational therapist
may assist families with the issues of power mobility,
seating and environmental access.
Neurology Clinic
Children are referred to this clinic for neurological
assessment and examination. Children may present with
such concerns as headaches or motor problems. An in-depth
review of the child's current and past health status,
family history and developmental milestones aids the physician
in diagnosis and treatment. Referrals are made to the
wide range of rehabilitation specialists available through
RCC, as well as to community resources, including psychologists,
teachers and social workers.
Scoliosis Clinic
Children with bone problems such as scoliosis and other
back conditions are assessed in the Scoliosis clinic.
Here, the child and caregiver work with the clinic team,
including the orthopedic surgeon, physiotherapist, and
the orthotist to assess and treat orthopedic problems.
X-rays are taken as necessary to aid in diagnosis. Decisions
are made with regards to the need for a back exercise
program, the need for an orthosis (brace) and follow-up.
Children with muscular problems who may require postural
seating braces are also assessed in this clinic. Because
children grow quickly, regular follow-up at the clinic
is required to ensure that the fit of the orthosis is
regularly reviewed and maintained.
Physiotherapists work with children who require spinal
braces, posture re-education and education to prevent
back pain. They teach back exercises, posture correction
and activity modification. A videotape of the exercise
program is available to make this information more accessible
to rural clients and caregivers.
Spina Bifida Clinic
The Spina Bifida Clinic Team is made up of three physicians:
a pediatrician, a urologists and an orthopedic surgeon.
Two nurses provide expertise in the area of health assessment
and health teaching. The services of an X-ray technician
mean that children receive essential support services
in one convenient location.
RCC's Orthotics team and Assistive Technology team also
provide consultation and assistance in the areas of bracing,
adaptive equipment and electronics. The clinic also has
access to the expertise and services of the Outpatient
Therapy team as well as to the School Therapists who assist
the child in school settings.
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