Driving innovation in paediatric rehabilitation: Kids Rehab WA research report released
Professor Jane Valentine, front row second from right, with fellow members of the Kids Rehab WA Research team.
Kids Rehab WA, Western Australia’s only tertiary paediatric rehabilitation service, has released its 2023–2025 Biennial Research Report, highlighting two years of research, innovation, and consumer-led collaboration aimed at improving outcomes for children and young people with disability and complex health needs.
The report showcases Kids Rehab WA’s commitment to excellence in clinical care, education, and research, driven by data and shaped by the voices of children, families, and strategic partners.
Key achievements include:
- Over $29 million in active research funding supporting projects in early detection, genomic testing, robotics, and chronic pain assessment.
- 132 peer-reviewed publications, cited more than 2,000 times, contributing to global best practice.
- 100% consumer involvement in research projects, ensuring services reflect lived experience.
- A 30% reduction in the rate and severity of cerebral palsy in WA, as reported by the Australian Cerebral Palsy Register.
- Training of 150 clinicians in gold-standard early detection assessments.
- Implementation of five international clinical guidelines into WA’s clinical workforce.
Driving innovation through collaboration
Kids Rehab WA works in partnership with Curtin University, The University of Western Australia, and The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Programs such as Early Moves and CONNECT-CP are transforming early intervention pathways for infants at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, with a strong focus on equity and access for families in regional and remote communities.
Consumer voices at the centre
The Kids Rehab WA Consumer Reference Group plays a vital role in shaping research and services.
Members like Heather Whewell bring lived experience and advocacy to the table, helping bridge the gap between families and service providers.
Celebrating excellence
The report also recognises staff achievements, including:
- The Transformative Practice Award (AusACPDM) awarded to Ashleigh Thornton and Dayna Pool.
- The Research with Impact Award (Curtin enAble Institute) awarded to the Kids Rehab WA Research Team.
- A Churchill Fellowship awarded to Rae Robinson to explore robotics and telerehabilitation internationally.