Early identification of at-risk infants and toddlers: a transdisciplinary model of service delivery

Traditional models of service delivery prevent speech-language therapists and audiologists from identifying and implementing early communication intervention (ECI) in South Africa. This study utilized the framework of the transdisciplinary team approach to develop a collaborative partnership between community nurses and speech-language therapists and audiologists. An interdisciplinary in-service training programme was implemented with 24 community nurses employed at family health clinics in Kwa-Zulu Natal; with the aim of enhancing their knowledge and attitudes toward the early identification and referral of at-risk children to speech-language therapists and audiologists. Three questionnaires were used to evaluate the nurses' knowledge and attitudes. Results indicated that the training programme significantly improved the nurses' knowledge regarding ECI but not their attitudes. Implications of these findings are discussed in terms of service delivery for ECI, and the education and training of early interventionists in the South African context.