Insights from Maternal Child Health Nurses
Affecting about one per cent of infants globally, early detection and treatment of hip dysplasia, or DDH, is crucial to reduce the chance of long-term problems. Maternal Child Health Nurses (MCHNs) play a fundamental role in identifying hip abnormalities during routine checks, but physical examination alone has limitations.
A VicHip survey of MCHNs highlighted the importance of early intervention but also revealed challenges such as:
- difficulty assessing unsettled infants
- unclear referral pathways
- and varying clinical opinions that hinder diagnosis.
These findings are key to improving detection and management strategies through:
- enhanced education and awareness
- practical training for MCHNs
- clearer referral pathways
- and better resources for healthcare professionals and parents.
A collaborative approach
Overall, the report calls for collaboration and shared responsibility among healthcare providers to enhance the quality of hip care and services across Victoria. By empowering MCHNs as champions of early detection, adopting a unified approach and implementing more robust guidelines, we can pave the way for a future of healthier hips.
Learn more
Read the Executive Summary or contact us to request the full report.
Reference
Collins, R, Communications and Engagement Manager (2024). Maternal Child Health Nurses’ perspectives on hip dysplasia detection and management | A survey report: Executive Summary (only). Victorian hip dysplasia registry (VicHip).
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VicHip is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Medical Research Future Fund grant 2015989.
Murdoch Children's Research Institute acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of lands on which we work and pay our respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging.