Satisfaction and Preferences About Motor Rehabilitation in People With Cerebral Palsy: ESPaCe, a French Survey

ESPaCe was a cross-sectional national survey designed to collect data on Cerebral Palsy (CP) motor rehabilitation from individuals with CP and their families in France.

Needs, barriers and expectations regarding PT services were identified in a series of standardised individual interviews and group discussions developed by a multidisciplinary group composed of individuals with cerebral palsy, families, professional organisation representatives, therapists and rehabilitation specialists, described as "ESPaCe working group". The issues identified in the preparatory qualitative work were structured in a questionnaire and tested in a feasibility study.This study was carried out in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association (Declaration of Helsinki). Informed consent was not required for this survey according to current French legislation.The study included all individuals with cerebral palsy aged 2 y.o. or more, whether they were receiving physiotherapy (PT) services at the time of the survey or not. CP features were self-reported. Eligibility was confirmed by cross-checking the responses to questionnaire items related to history, diagnosis and clinical description of CP. The questionnaire was completed either by individuals with cerebral palsy, a family member or a caretaker.

Participants were described with the following characteristics: age, gender, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level, CP subtype, associated impairments, frequency of pain, mother education (as a proxy for socio-economic status), and PT service provider.

Participation in the ESPaCe survey was promoted through local and national patient advocacy groups and professional networks. The questionnaire was completed online or mailed-in. Data collection was open from June 2016 to June 2017.Participation in the ESPaCe survey was promoted through local and national patient advocacy groups and professional networks.

Inclusion criteria

• Anyone living in France with a motor impairment consistent with the definition of Cerebral Palsy (whether undergoing or not motor rehabilitation sessions)

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals who were not diagnosed with CP or when descriptive information provided in the survey regarding motor impairment was insufficiently detailed or did not meet the definition of CP (e.g., progressive disorders).
• Individuals for whom a questionnaire was already completed by a family member or caregiver

Of note main analyses will be run for participants > 2 years old (data for participants < 2 y o considered as exploratory data)