[Paediatric neurology and habilitation in Norway].
BACKGROUND
Based on results from a national survey we discuss the status and prospects of Norwegian child neurology and habilitation.


METHODS
A questionnaire on neurology and habilitation was sent to all 22 Norwegian departments of paediatrics.


RESULTS
All departments responded. The organisation of services varied considerably. Only one department registered children admitted for neurological disorders specifically. Habilitation was mainly based on out-patient services. The number of out-patient neurology consultations in relation to regional population varied with a factor of 5.3 from the department with lowest to the one with highest number of cases. Corresponding factors were 5.9 for number of habilitation consultations per year, 3.6 for paediatricians in child neurology and habilitation, and 5.6 for allied health professionals working in habilitation units. In Norway there were 61 physicians working in child neurology and habilitation. Several departments were active in work on methodology. Research was mainly carried out in university departments.


CONCLUSIONS
Child neurology and habilitation services are available in all Norwegian counties. There is need for more systematic registration of clinical activities, for research, including the effect of treatment and interventions, more work on methodology, more posts for graduate medical education in the field, better organisation of services for in-patients, and closer cooperation between paediatric, habilitation and community care services.
Barneklinikken Haukeland Universitetssykehus 5021 Bergen per.waaler@pedi.uib.no.
Per Erik
PE
Waaler
Kristian
K
Sommerfelt
D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006757:Hospital Units / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009462:Neurology / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009468:Neuromuscular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires