An innovative and collaborative method to develop a model care and service trajectory for the assessment, diagnosis, and support of children with developmental disabilities

Abstract

This paper documents an innovative research approach undertaken to co-develop an integrated assessment, diagnosis, and support service trajectory for children suspected of having a developmental disability. It employed data-driven practices and involved multiple stakeholders such as parents, professionals, managers, and researchers. It emphasized the importance of incorporating experiential knowledge adopting an integrated care and service trajectory perspective, and using an implementation science framework. The first part of this article presents the theoretical roots and the collaborative method used to co-construct the model trajectory. The second part of this article presents the results of a survey in which participating stakeholders shared their point of view on the value and impact of this approach Overall, this article provides a step-by-step operationalization of participative research in the context of public health and social services. This may help guide future initiatives to improve services for developmental disabilities in partnership with those directly concerned by these services.

Keywords: Community-based participatory research; Developmental disabilities; Diagnostic services; Implementation framework; Service trajectory.