Resources for GPs and Primary Care Professionals
New resource highlights early signs of cerebral palsy and referral pathway for infants
Recognising possible early signs of cerebral palsy can help healthcare professionals identify infants who may benefit from timely assessment and support. A new primary-care resource outlines key developmental warning signs and provides guidance on when infants should be referred for early motor assessment.
Supporting earlier recognition
The first months of a child’s development are an important time for observing movement and motor skills. For healthcare professionals working with infants, recognising signs that development may be atypical can help inform decisions about monitoring and referral.
A new resource, Primary Care Screening for Cerebral Palsy: PROMPT Referral of Infants for Early Motor Assessment, brings together a number of clinical signs that may indicate the need for closer follow-up or referral.
The resource is intended to support primary-care professionals in recognising possible early indicators of cerebral palsy. It emphasises that early recognition and timely referral can make a significant difference in a child’s outcomes.
Availability and rollout: CP PROMPT is being introduced initially in the South West, including Cork, with plans to expand the referral pathway to all health regions across Ireland by the end of 2027.
Supported by Research Ireland (ELEVATE – grant No. 22/SPP/11074) and the Irish Cerebral Palsy Programme
