P.132 Redesign of a neuropsychology service in a tertiary pediatric hospital (CHEO)

Abstract

Background: Neuropsychological assessments are used in hospitals to examine brain-behaviour relationships, and are an integral part of care for medically complex patients. Unfortunately, waitlists can be lengthy. We gathered information regarding best-practice guidelines and physician referral patterns in an effort to better manage the neuropsychology waitlist at a pediatric hospital. Methods: We conducted: 1) A semi-structured telephone survey with 4 Canadian, pediatric, hospital-based neuropsychology services; 2) An electronic survey distributed to referring physicians at CHEO; 3) A focus group for CHEO neurologists and neurosurgeons. Results: The telephone survey indicated that there are no clear, best-practice guidelines for pediatric neuropsychologists working in a tertiary, pediatric hospital. The electronic survey revealed some confusion about neuropsychology services and indicated the need for better communication between neuropsychology and referral sources. The focus group revealed that demand for neuropsychology services far outstrips supply and confirmed the need for better communication. Conclusions: The results confirmed the need for best-practice guidelines to be developed around delivering neuropsychology services within a pediatric tertiary care setting, as well as continuing to work closely with neurology and neurosurgery to ensure that the neuropsychological needs of their patients are met.