Measuring child and family centred outcomes following spinal surgery for children with neuromuscular scoliosis

Summary This project will focus on developing robust methods to measure child and family-centred outcomes following spinal surgery for children with neuromuscular scoliosis.

Project Details

Supervisor: Adrienne Harvey

Scoliosis is common in children with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities who have significant gross motor impairment and impacts significantly on the child’s wellbeing, quality of life and participation. Spinal surgery is the definitive treatment for progressive scoliosis, however it comes with a moderately high complication rate. There is some evidence that surgery is effective for reducing the deformity, but insufficient evidence that it improves functional outcomes, caregiver outcomes, and quality of life. This project focuses on developing robust methods to measure child and family-centred outcomes following spinal surgery for children with neuromuscular scoliosis. The project will involve both quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

We hope to recruit a high quality allied health, nursing or medical professional into this PhD position and experience in disability is desirable. Interested applicants should email Associate Professor Adrienne Harvey at: adrienne.harvey@mcri.edu.au