Background
Deformational plagiocephaly can be prevented in many healthy infants if strategies are implemented early after birth. However, despite efforts to disseminate accurate information, parental adherence to evidence‐based prevention strategies is a challenge. To date, factors – barriers and facilitators – influencing parental adherence to strategies have yet to be identified in a comprehensive manner.
Objectives
This scoping review aims to identify and synthesize current evidence on barriers and facilitators impacting adherence of parents of newborns to deformational plagiocephaly prevention strategies.
Methods
This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) process guidelines. Seven electronic (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Academic Search Complete, AMED, PsychINFO and Scopus) and two grey literature (Health Systems Evidence and Grey Literature Report) databases were searched. Studies published between 2001 and 2022 were included. The deductive thematic data analysis used was guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation Behavioral Model (COM‐B) of health behaviour change.
Results
From a total of 1172 articles, 15 met the eligibility criteria. All components of the COM‐B framework were identified. Capability‐psychological and opportunity‐environmental factors dominated the literature, whereas capability‐physical, motivation and, in particular, opportunity‐social factors were understudied. The most often reported barriers were a lack of knowledge of deformational plagiocephaly and the associated prevention strategies, ambiguous or inconsistent messaging, intolerance of babies to prone positioning and a lack of time. The most frequently reported facilitators were an awareness of deformational plagiocephaly, postural asymmetry and prevention strategies, skill acquisition with practice, accurate convincing information, scheduled time and environmental organization to position the baby at home.
Discussion
Recommendations focused on diffusing accurate and detailed information for parents. Our review also suggests a gap regarding the comprehensive identification of factors influencing parental adherence to deformational plagiocephaly prevention strategies. Further studies exploring comprehensive opportunity‐social and motivation factors influencing parental adherence to deformational plagiocephaly prevention strategies are warranted to inform prevention programmes and foster better infant outcomes.
Purpose: To examine and map the extent and scope of pediatric physical therapy assessments previously used in the digital context. Methods: A 6-step evidence-based scoping methodological framework was used. Articles containing assessments conducted by a physical therapist using technology to assess a child aged 0 to 5 years were included and synthesized using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: Eighteen studies identifying 25 assessments were eligible. Asynchronous observational developmental instruments administered in the child's natural environment to those at risk or presenting with neurodevelopmental conditions were the most common. There is a need for detailed procedures and training for caregivers and clinicians. Conclusion: Limited research exists on the use of pediatric physical therapy assessments for young children with musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory conditions in a digital context. The development of new instruments or modifications of existing ones should be considered and be accompanied by detailed administration protocols and user guides.
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