Spectrum of childhood neurodevelopmental caseload in a community child health scottish clinic

What is it about?

We analysed the range of neurodevelopmental, behavioual and emotional (NDBE) disorders among children and young people seen in two CCH clinics of a Mid-Eastern Scottish NHS Trust over a 12 month period. The study was completed as part of an audit and the Clinical Governance strategies of the NHS Fife. A total of 543 patients (28.1 per 1000 children’s population), aged between 2 months and 18 years 6 months (Mean 104 months), 72% males, presented with an average of 3 NDBE conditions (ranging from 1 to 8), also under the care of average of 2 additional professionals. The largest caseload of patients (46%) were seen in Summer. The highest proportion of children (30%) were from the most deprived 20% (Quintile 1) areas.

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Why is it important?

Community Child Health (CCH) is the branch of Paediatrics that specialises in childhood developmental–behavioural problems, such as ADHD, ASD, developmental delays emotional and behavioural issues. These problems are being increasingly recognised worldwide but the healthcare services available for addressing them are largely deficient. The highest proportion of children (30%) were from the most deprived 20% (Quintile 1) areas. The largest age-group of the patients (47%) were school-age (5–9 years) children. There was a statistically significant relationship between the number of diagnosis and the number of professionals involved in the management of each patient. Commonest diagnosed NDBE categories were difficulties with Behaviour (45%), Sleep (30%), Social Communications (27%), DCD (24.5%), Sensory processing (22%), LD (19%), ADHD (17%), SALD (17%). ASD accounted for (13%) and GDD was 12%. The commonest multi-agency professionals involved were the OT (33%), SALT (26%), HV (18%), CAMHS (17%), Educational- (16%) and Clinical-Psychologists (15%).

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