Patients who receive O&P care often face challenges inherent in their diagnoses and in compliance with device wear, getting to appointments, and access to appropriate care. While this can be true at any age, for children and teens this is often exacerbated by their psychosocial developmental stages and dependence on their parents for transportation. This issue is dedicated to the ways O&P care may be different for young patients.
There is little debate about whether bracing should be considered as a conservative treatment for scoliosis, particularly if the curve is not yet severe. A key component of its effectiveness, however, is adherence to wear-time schedules, which can be uncomfortable physically and mentally for patients. Scoliosis is often diagnosed during early adolescence and is more prevalent in girls who are dealing with hormonal changes, peer pressure, and feelings of self-consciousness while also being confronted with their diagnoses and a daunting solution. “How to Address the Psychological Impact of Scoliosis Bracing” discusses how clinicians can work with patients to approach bracing in a holistic manner, helping patients to cope with the mental toll of brace wear as well as physical discomfort.
Physical activity is an important element in staying healthy at any age, and especially important for growing children. But generally, insurance coverage for people who use prostheses only covers a basic prosthesis that is not suitable for running, biking, swimming, etc. and thus prevents kids from participating in the same recreational activities as their peers—activities that contribute to general health, gross motor skill development, and overall mental health. This principle is at the heart of the 2022 legislation passed in Maine requiring coverage of recreational prosthetic devices for people under age 18. Since its passage, advocates in other states have taken up the charge and even expanded it to adults. Read about these efforts in “Let Kids (and Adults) Play: Policy Efforts to Expand Access to Recreational Prostheses Gain Momentum.”
While I would assume that most parents make attendance at appointments for their children a high priority, the fact remains that the same factors that cause adults to miss appointments for their own care can cause children and young adults to miss appointments as well—if for no other reason than transportation access. “Missed Appointments” looks at the “why” behind patient no-shows and how clinicians can approach these frustrating situations with empathy and creative solutions to turn them into opportunities for productivity.
Happy reading.
Andrea Spridgen
