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BMC Pediatrics
Published in: BMC Pediatrics 1/2013

Open Access 01-12-2013 | Research article

Recommendations from a consensus development workshop on the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia

Authors: Rochelle E Watkins, Elizabeth J Elliott, Amanda Wilkins, Raewyn C Mutch, James P Fitzpatrick, Janet M Payne, Colleen M O’Leary, Heather M Jones, Jane Latimer, Lorian Hayes, Jane Halliday, Heather D’Antoine, Sue Miers, Elizabeth Russell, Lucinda Burns, Anne McKenzie, Elizabeth Peadon, Maureen Carter, Carol Bower

Published in: BMC Pediatrics | Issue 1/2013

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Abstract

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are underdiagnosed in Australia, and health professionals have endorsed the need for national guidelines for diagnosis. The aim of this study was to develop consensus recommendations for the diagnosis of FASD in Australia.

Methods

A panel of 13 health professionals, researchers, and consumer and community representatives with relevant expertise attended a 2-day consensus development workshop to review evidence on the screening and diagnosis of FASD obtained from a systematic literature review, a national survey of health professionals and community group discussions. The nominal group technique and facilitated discussion were used to review the evidence on screening and diagnosis, and to develop consensus recommendations for the diagnosis of FASD in Australia.

Results

The use of population-based screening for FASD was not recommended. However, there was consensus support for the development of standard criteria for referral for specialist diagnostic assessment. Participants developed consensus recommendations for diagnostic categories, criteria and assessment methods, based on the adaption of elements from both the University of Washington 4-Digit Diagnostic Code and the Canadian guidelines for FASD diagnosis. Panel members also recommended the development of resources to: facilitate consistency in referral and diagnostic practices, including comprehensive clinical guidelines and assessment instruments; and to support individuals undergoing assessment and their parents or carers.

Conclusions

These consensus recommendations provide a foundation for the development of guidelines and other resources to promote consistency in the diagnosis of FASD in Australia. Guidelines for diagnosis will require review and evaluation in the Australian context prior to national implementation as well as periodic review to incorporate new knowledge.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Recommendations from a consensus development workshop on the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australia
Authors
Rochelle E Watkins
Elizabeth J Elliott
Amanda Wilkins
Raewyn C Mutch
James P Fitzpatrick
Janet M Payne
Colleen M O’Leary
Heather M Jones
Jane Latimer
Lorian Hayes
Jane Halliday
Heather D’Antoine
Sue Miers
Elizabeth Russell
Lucinda Burns
Anne McKenzie
Elizabeth Peadon
Maureen Carter
Carol Bower
Publication date
01-12-2013
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pediatrics / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2431
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2431-13-156

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