Heiyanthuduwage TM, Sumanasena SP, Kitnasamy G et al. Protocol for the Sri Lankan Cerebral Palsy Register pilot study.

BMJ Open. 2020 Aug 20;10(8):e039353. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039353. PMID: 32820001; PMCID: PMC7443274.

This pilot study marks the first step in creating a comprehensive Cerebral Palsy (CP) Register in Sri Lanka, addressing a critical gap in the country's understanding of CP. The research focused on two provinces—Western and Eastern—to collect detailed demographic, clinical, and service-related data on children under 18 diagnosed with CP. By using both hospital-based and community-based surveillance methods, the study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of CP, describe the strengths and challenges of these surveillance mechanisms, and estimate the resources needed to expand this initiative nationwide.

This study has received ethical approval from multiple institutions and will disseminate its results through conferences and peer-reviewed publications, laying the groundwork for a national CP surveillance program. This data will also serve as a resource for further research to explore key areas such as access to rehabilitation services, long-term outcomes, and prevention strategies.

Our team is currently conducting other related research projects using information of this database, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life for children with CP and their families in Sri Lanka. Stay connected with us for updates on our ongoing and upcoming research initiatives.