To mark the APCP’s 50th Anniversary on February 22, 2023, the Early Years Movement Hub was launched as part of the Starting2Move project. The UK-based Starting2Move initiative aims to (i) share credible early years movement information and (ii) translate advice typically provided by paediatric physiotherapy services into an accessible format. This specific project aimed to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and potential impact of the Early Years Movement Hub one year after the release.
An online questionnaire was launched on the 22nd February 2024, and was distributed to APCP members via email and promoted on social media. The questionnaire was open for seven weeks. The questionnaire asked paediatric physiotherapists to comment on the Early Years Movement Hub in terms of acceptability, feasibility, and potential impacts, using a 6-point scale (0 = low, 5 = high). The questionnaire also provided open-text boxes for qualitative feedback.
Eighty-five paediatric physiotherapists participated, 96% of whom were UK-based.
Acceptability: 98% rated the Early Years Movement Hub’s acceptability at 3/5 or above, with 81% rating it 4/5 or higher. Factors affecting acceptability included website navigation, limited content coverage, therapists’ time constraints and a preference for paper copies.
Feasibility: 90% rated the feasibility at 3/5 or above, with 64% rating it 4/5 or higher. Challenges included therapists’ time constraints, restricted technology access during appointments and a preference for paper copies.
There were 82 respondents who assessed the Early Years Movement Hub's impact. Reported impacts included: improved quality of movement information available to families (87%), enhanced efficiency of information sharing within paediatric physiotherapy services (85%). Additional benefits included improved resources for new physiotherapists, other professionals, and support for service development.
The Early Years Movement Hub showed promise in enhancing movement information dissemination and quality. Areas for improvement included website navigation, content breadth and ensuring access to paper copies. Limited technology access and limited physiotherapist time during appointments were notable constraints. Future evaluations should include feedback from children, parents and the multidisciplinary team supporting children and young people.
The Early Years Movement Hub has the potential to improve the sharing of credible movement information by paediatric physiotherapists and other professionals. The Starting2Move project has created a new platform for more effective information sharing with patients, professionals and the public. However, further development including broader stakeholder input is necessary.
Improving access to credible early years movement information through online resources, like the Early Years Movement Hub, could positively influence paediatric physiotherapy resources and services. Broadening stakeholder engagement is required to develop online paediatric physiotherapy information in a way that positively supports movement for all children and young people.
Inequality
Prevention
