What evidence is available?

Sources of evidence	Information Provided	Limitation of Evidence
Parent / carer	First source of information and associated evidence.	Does not have specialist knowledge.
GPFR	The GP will be able to confirm that a child has seen specialist about their hip.	The treatment of this condition is likely to be the most important factor affecting mobility and care needs in these children. The GP may not have details of treatment received and may not have seen the child since their referral.
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon / Clinical Nurse Specialist	The best source of information about surgery, braces and plaster casts will be the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon who will be able to provide details of the treatment received and how mobility has been affected. If the community paediatric nurse is involved, they will be able to provide details of the treatment received and may be able to provide some information on practical problems for the family including mobility problems and any help given with dressing, toileting and therapy.	N/A
Physiotherapist	If the main focus of the claim is for help with therapy the physiotherapist should be contacted to provide details of frequency of treatment required – is it daily and how long does the therapy take on each occasion.	N/A

Department for Work and Pensions