Global Collaboration Fuels DDH Care Pathway in India
The Condition
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a prevalent condition affecting 1-3% of newborns globally, with potential long-term consequences if not addressed early. While many countries have robust screening programs, India faced a gap in standardized approaches, resulting in delayed diagnoses and subsequent challenges. Recognizing the urgent need for tailored guidelines, a groundbreaking collaboration unfolded.
The Project
Seven national organizations in India joined forces with the Hippy Lab, a renowned global leader in DDH research at the University of British Columbia, to address this critical gap. The aim: to develop India's first national care pathway for DDH screening and diagnosis, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by local resources and health systems.
Consensus-Building Process
Flowchart showing clinico-radiological surveillance protocol for screening infants for developmental dysplasia of the hip (copyrighted to the Paediatric Orthopaedic Society of India [POSI] and reproduced with permission). (Aroojis, et al., Indian Pediatr. 2022)
Experts in DDH care from diverse backgrounds engaged in a comprehensive consensus-building process. Drawing on their collective expertise, the team meticulously crafted guidelines that consider India's distinctive healthcare landscape. The project's success hinged on the collaboration's ability to bridge global research with local realities.
Local Context
While existing guidelines for DDH in North America have been invaluable, applying them verbatim to India would overlook crucial nuances. The new care pathway recognizes and integrates local context, ensuring practicality and relevance within the Indian healthcare system. This initiative aims to streamline the screening process, ensuring timely diagnoses for infants at risk of DDH.
Impact on Late Diagnoses
Late diagnoses of DDH often lead to complex surgeries, pain, and long-term disability for affected children. By implementing the national care pathway, the project seeks to reduce the number of late diagnoses in India significantly. Early identification means timely intervention, fostering improved mobility and enhancing the quality of life for affected children.
Future Outlook
The unveiling of India's first national care pathway for DDH marks a significant milestone in pediatric orthopedics. This collaboration has brought about a partnership with Divis Foundation for Gifted Children and UNICEF India to work towards pathway implementation with their generous support.
Further, this collaborative effort sets a precedent for addressing healthcare gaps through global-local partnerships. The project's success has inspired similar initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation in healthcare tailored to the specific needs of diverse communities.
Local to Global to Local
The collaborative endeavor between Indian national organizations and the Hippy Lab represents a beacon of hope for children at risk of DDH in India. This groundbreaking initiative serves as a testament to the power of cross-border collaboration in advancing healthcare solutions that make a meaningful impact on people's lives.
