Prof. Dr. med. Steffen Berweck
Early Intervention – founding a centre of excellence in Austria
National and international recommendations underline the crucial role of early intervention for the development of children at increased risk of neurological impairment. In German-speaking countries, it is undisputed that routine, structured follow-up programmes for high-risk newborns are necessary and effective (e.g. Kümin et al., 2023). International, evidence-based recommendations (Jackman et al., 2021; Morgan et al., 2021) advise early, targeted interventions and support in order to significantly improve the physical, cognitive and social development of children with or at risk of cerebral palsy. In addition, a recent Cochrane review (Orton et al. 2024) shows that developmental programmes after discharge from hospital can effectively prevent motor and cognitive impairment in premature babies.
A centre of excellence for early intervention would ensure access to evidence-based, interdisciplinary services, standardise care and sustainably improve the long-term development and participation opportunities of affected children.
Kümin, H. et al. (2023). Updated recommendations for routine neurodevelopmental follow-up assessments of high-risk newborns in Switzerland. Swiss Neonatal and Follow-up group.
Prof. Dr. med. Steffen Berweck
Specialist in paediatrics and adolescent medicine
Focus on neuropaediatrics
Senior physician at the KER Centre of the Eastern Switzerland Children's Hospital, St. Gallen, Switzerland
Former head of the Department of Paediatric Neurology, Neurorehabilitation and Epileptology, Schön Klinik Vogtareuth, Germany
Appointed member of the scientific advisory board of the association running the Arbeitsstelle Frühförderung Bayern (Bavarian early intervention office)
References
Jackman, M. et al. (2021). Interventions to improve physical function for children and young people with cerebral palsy: international clinical practice guideline. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1111/dmcn.15055
Morgan, C. et al. (2021). Early Intervention for Children Aged 0 to 2 Years With or at High Risk of Cerebral Palsy: International Clinical Practice Guideline Based on Systematic Reviews. JAMA Pediatrics. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2021.0878
Orton, J. et al. (2024). Early developmental intervention programmes provided post hospital discharge to prevent motor and cognitive impairment in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005495.pub5