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A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Video Patient Decision Aid to Facilitate Early Intervention Referrals From Primary Care
Manuel E Jimenez1,2, Nathalie E DuRivage3, Orysia Bezpalko3
11 Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
Insights
Many children miss early intervention (EI) services. A video aid and text messages improved parental knowledge and attitudes about developmental delay and EI, but referral completion needs further study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Many young children with developmental concerns in pediatric settings do not access crucial early intervention (EI) services.
- Improving access to EI is vital for addressing developmental delays and ensuring positive child outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a video decision aid and text message reminder on parental knowledge, attitudes, and referral completion for early intervention.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a digital health intervention in a pediatric setting.
Main Methods:
- A pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted with 64 parent-child dyads referred to EI.
- Intervention group received a video decision aid and text message reminders; control group did not.
- Outcomes measured included knowledge, attitudes regarding developmental delay and EI, and EI referral completion.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed significant increases in knowledge and more favorable attitudes toward developmental delay and EI compared to controls.
- No significant difference in EI intake and evaluation rates was observed between the intervention and control groups.
- A trend suggested increased EI intake and evaluation among participants with low health literacy in the intervention arm.
Conclusions:
- Video decision aids and text messages can enhance parental understanding and attitudes regarding developmental delay and EI.
- Further research is needed to optimize strategies for improving EI referral completion, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Digital tools may play a targeted role in supporting families navigating the EI referral process.
Abstract:
Many young children identified with developmental concerns in pediatric settings do not receive early intervention (EI). We assessed the impact of a video decision aid and text message reminder on knowledge and attitudes regarding developmental delay and EI as well as referral completion. We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial in an urban setting and enrolled 64 parent-child dyads referred to EI. Compared with controls, participants who received the intervention demonstrated increased knowledge regarding developmental delay and EI as well as more favorable attitudes in certain topics. Although we did not find a significant difference between arms in EI intake and evaluation, we found a pattern suggestive of increased intake and evaluation among participants with low health literacy in the intervention arm. Additional study is needed to identify strategies that improve the EI referral process for families and to understand the potential targeted role for decision aids and text messages.
