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Health Care Issue: Delayed Diagnosis of Pediatric Scoliosis
Rebecca Davidson HLT 490 Problem Purpose and Questions Evidence Based Practice
Proposal Final.
Rebecca Davidson
College of Health Sciences, Grand Canyon
University HTL-490V-O500: Professional Capstone
Project Instructor: Dwight Collins
, 2
Health Care Issue: Delayed Diagnosis of Pediatric Scoliosis
Pediatric scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. This
condition is a significant concern in pediatric orthopedic care due to its potential to lead to
various health issues if not detected and treated early (Burgoyne & Fairbank, 2021). If left
undiagnosed, the curvature can worsen over time, leading to pain, respiratory problems, and a
diminished quality of life for the child. Regrettably, many cases of pediatric scoliosis are
identified late due to inconsistent screening practices, underreporting, and limited access to
specialized care in rural or underserved areas (Andrade et al., 2020). The delay in diagnosis and
treatment often necessitates more invasive intervention such as surgery, which could have been
avoided with early intervention measures like bracing or physical therapy. How can technology
improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of scoliosis?
Why It is a Problem in Pediatric Orthopedics
In pediatric orthopedics, it is crucial to employ precise diagnostic techniques and
thorough monitoring methods for scoliosis to minimize potential complications and improve
patient outcomes (Schlosser et al., 2019). Traditional diagnostic approaches, such as the manual
assessment performed by healthcare professionals and the utilization of X-rays, typically require
periodic visits to the clinic. However, the variability in expertise, especially in primary care
settings, and the inconsistent implementation of standardized screening protocols can result in
delays in diagnosis. This issue significantly impacts the quality of pediatric orthopedic care as
delayed treatment can limit the availability of non-invasive treatment options, strain healthcare
resources, and have lasting adverse effects on the well-being of patients. The proposed
intervention to reduce the need for invasive treatments and improve early detection will alleviate
some of the resource strains, which will lead to efficient and cost-effective healthcare delivery.
Health Care Issue: Delayed Diagnosis of Pediatric Scoliosis
Rebecca Davidson HLT 490 Problem Purpose and Questions Evidence Based Practice
Proposal Final.
Rebecca Davidson
College of Health Sciences, Grand Canyon
University HTL-490V-O500: Professional Capstone
Project Instructor: Dwight Collins
, 2
Health Care Issue: Delayed Diagnosis of Pediatric Scoliosis
Pediatric scoliosis is characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. This
condition is a significant concern in pediatric orthopedic care due to its potential to lead to
various health issues if not detected and treated early (Burgoyne & Fairbank, 2021). If left
undiagnosed, the curvature can worsen over time, leading to pain, respiratory problems, and a
diminished quality of life for the child. Regrettably, many cases of pediatric scoliosis are
identified late due to inconsistent screening practices, underreporting, and limited access to
specialized care in rural or underserved areas (Andrade et al., 2020). The delay in diagnosis and
treatment often necessitates more invasive intervention such as surgery, which could have been
avoided with early intervention measures like bracing or physical therapy. How can technology
improve early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of scoliosis?
Why It is a Problem in Pediatric Orthopedics
In pediatric orthopedics, it is crucial to employ precise diagnostic techniques and
thorough monitoring methods for scoliosis to minimize potential complications and improve
patient outcomes (Schlosser et al., 2019). Traditional diagnostic approaches, such as the manual
assessment performed by healthcare professionals and the utilization of X-rays, typically require
periodic visits to the clinic. However, the variability in expertise, especially in primary care
settings, and the inconsistent implementation of standardized screening protocols can result in
delays in diagnosis. This issue significantly impacts the quality of pediatric orthopedic care as
delayed treatment can limit the availability of non-invasive treatment options, strain healthcare
resources, and have lasting adverse effects on the well-being of patients. The proposed
intervention to reduce the need for invasive treatments and improve early detection will alleviate
some of the resource strains, which will lead to efficient and cost-effective healthcare delivery.
