Table 1 Definitions of priority levels by service area (neurodevelopmental, orthopedic)
Physiotherapy Outpatient Service Area & Priority Level | Target for child to be seen by therapist | Description: Infant, child or youth referred due to the impairments listed below |
|---|---|---|
Neurodevelopmental 1 | 3–5 working days | Acute illness/injury or acute exacerbation of existing problem; for example: brain injury, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, spinal cord injury, oncologic diagnosis, post-op neurosurgery |
Neurodevelopmental 2 | 2–4 weeks | Under 2 years of age with neurological impairment; for example: abnormal muscle tone, delayed motor development Toe walking with neurological involvement |
Neurodevelopmental 3 | 4–8 weeks | Older than 2 years of age with mild motor dysfunction Older than 2 years with neurological impairment or developmental delay, for whom no other resources exist |
Orthopedic 1 | 1–3 working days | Surgery involving joint or muscle/tendon unit, especially hands Potential/actual reflex sympathetic dystrophy Intra-articular fracture, fracture dislocation Newly diagnosed arthritis/rheumatological condition Newborn brachial plexus |
Orthopedic 2 | 1–2 weeks | Torticollis and/or plagiocephaly Musculoskeletal injury or pain: recent onset less than 3 months Decreased range of motion following fracture or joint injury |
Orthopedic 3 | 3–4 weeks | Musculoskeletal injury or pain: long-standing (more than 3 months) Metatarsus adductus, intoeing, toewalking less than 4 years of age Spinal deformity, with brace |