Telephone-Based Developmental Screening and Care Coordination Through 2-1-1: A Randomized Trial.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Developmental Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Primary care providers face challenges in early identification of developmental delays and connecting families to services.
• Universal early childhood developmental screening is recommended but often inconsistently implemented.
• This study addresses the need for effective early identification and intervention pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the efficacy of telephone-based developmental screening and care coordination.
• To compare a 2-1-1 intervention with usual care for early childhood developmental delays.
• To improve referral rates and service access for at-risk children.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with children aged 12-42 months.
• The intervention group received telephone screening and care coordination via 2-1-1 Los Angeles County.
• Outcomes measured included referral rates and service receipt at 6 months.

Main Results:

• Significantly more children in the intervention group were referred for developmental evaluation (32% vs 9%; P = .001).
• Children in the intervention group were also more likely to be receiving services (16% vs 1%; P = .002).
• The intervention demonstrated a significant positive impact within 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Telephone-based developmental screening and care coordination through 2-1-1 is effective.
• This model increases referrals and service receipt for young children with developmental delays.
• It offers a viable strategy to bridge the gap in early intervention services.