The MBM app gives expectant mothers frequent reminders to be aware of fetal movements, and prompts them to contact their healthcare professional if they have any concerns.
The collaborative research team will also implement best practice guidelines for antenatal care of women to better identify those at risk, improve screening, and increase the focus of after-care for affected families.
Professor Flenady says the outcomes of the CRE’s research could extend beyond reducing the incidence and improving the response to stillbirth.
Between 600 and 700 infants are born with cerebral palsy each year, and it’s a lifelong condition, with estimates that 34,000 Australians are living with CP. As Professor Boyd says, the health issue impacts thousands of families.
“It’s critical that we understand as much about the early biomarkers and impact interventions that may prevent neural damage, or improve development in these early days so we can improve the health and wellbeing of these children in the long-term. Using technologies such as advanced brain imaging, telemedicine and smartphone apps, we have new ways to tackle childhood health issues and to translate that new knowledge to clinicians nationally, giving hope to families across the country.”
Professor Boyd and her multidisciplinary team of 38 researchers are leading the charge in cerebral palsy research.
Now with a focus on earlier detection and evidence based effective early intervention, Queensland is set to become the hub for research in the field.
Professor Boyd’s Cerebral Palsy research is generously supported by Merchant Charitable Foundation via the Children’s Hospital Foundation.