We are thrilled to present the latest research contributions from KidsAbility, underscoring our dedication to advancing pediatric care.
Our recent studies emphasize innovative approaches such as enhancing clinical documentation with AI, reducing appointment cancellations, and improving rehabilitation services through creative programs. We also explore the experiences of caregivers and clinicians with telerehabilitation. Furthermore, we have co-designed solutions to improve access and engagement in pediatric telerehabilitation, highlighting the importance of communication and consistency.
We are incredibly proud of the contributions our team and research partners have made to the field of pediatric rehabilitation. These publications reflect our dedication to driving positive change and improving outcomes for children and families. We are dedicated to advancing this research through ongoing projects and look forward to sharing even more impactful research in the future.
Stay tuned!
Recent Publications
1. Shorter Booking Times Reduce Cancellations
Ravenscroft, B., Abouee Mehrizi, H., & Wylie-Toal, B. (2024). Effects of booking horizon reduction on cancellation rates: An experimental analysis in pediatric outpatient care. MDM Policy & Practice, 9(2), 23814683241298673. https://doi.org/10.1177/23814683241298673
This study examined the impact of reducing the booking horizon (the time between making an appointment and the appointment itself) on last-minute cancellations and no-shows at KidsAbility. By shortening the booking horizon from 12 weeks to 4 weeks, the study found a significant reduction in both the rate and variance of cancellations and no-shows.
2. Innovating Rehab Services with Bright Ideas
Reitzel, M., Cheung, E., Lennon, C., Wylie-Toal, B., & Phoenix, M. (2024). Improving Children’s Rehabilitation Service Quality and Experience Through Innovative Programming: A Developmental Evaluation of the Bright Ideas Program. Health Services Insights, 17. https://doi.org/10.1177/11786329241297910
This study evaluated the “Bright Ideas” program an initiative by KidsAbility’s Rocket Discovery Centre aimed at developing solutions to improve services at KidsAbility. Through interviews and focus groups with staff, the study identified both successes and challenges, including barriers like limited time and resources. The findings highlight the program’s potential for driving change through innovation.
3. Experiences with Pediatric Telerehabilitation
Reitzel, M., Letts, L., Lennon, C., Lasenby-Lessard, J., Novak-Pavlic, M., Di Rezze, B., & Phoenix, M. (2025). Describing Caregiver and Clinician Experiences with Pediatric Telerehabilitation Across Clinical Disciplines. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2024.6684
This study looks at the experiences of caregivers and clinicians using pediatric telerehabilitation and how it can be sustained beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Through interviews, five key factors for success were identified:
- Child engagement
- The value of the service
- Preparation for the servicefit of the telerehabilitation model
- Providing families with a choice
The findings highlight the importance of being prepared, informed, and flexible to better support access to care through telerehabilitation services.
4. Improving Access to Pediatric Telerehabilitation
Reitzel, M., Letts, L., Lennon, C., Lasenby-Lessard, J., Novak-Pavlic, M., Di Rezze, B., & Phoenix, M. (2023) Co-designing solutions to enhance access and engagement in pediatric telerehabilitation. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Science. Vol 4, https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2023.1293833
This study aimed to co-design solutions to improve access and engagement in pediatric telerehabilitation. Through interviews, caregivers and clinicians identified both barriers and success with telerehabilitation. Interviews and meetings with caregivers, clinicians and Children Treatment Centre management highlighted the importance of communication, consistency and connection. The findings emphasize how addressing these factors can reduce barriers and improve the experiences of families using telerehabilitation services.
Upcoming Publications
5. AI-Generated SOAP Notes in Pediatric Rehab
Amenyo, S., Grossman, M. R., Brown, D. G., Wylie-Toal, B. (2025). KEUT: Assessment of AI-Generated Pediatric Rehabilitation SOAP-Note Quality.
This study explores the use of AI Learning Language Models (LLM) to generate SOAP notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan), a key part of clinical documentation in child rehabilitation. Clinicians participated in a blind comparison that rated AI-generated notes against human-authored ones. The findings suggest that AI-generated notes are of comparable quality to human-authored ones, with minimal human editing required. This research highlights how an AI LLM can improve efficiency and reduce workload while maintaining documentation quality.