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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Measurement Issues: Measures of infant mental health
Eduardo Szaniecki1, Jacqueline Barnes2
1CAMHS, Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Watford, UK.
Insights
Early identification of infant mental health challenges is crucial. Standardized tools aid clinicians in identifying atypical development for targeted support in primary care.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Infant Mental Health
Background:
- Emotional and behavioral problems in young children pose challenges to families.
- Early identification and intervention are essential for child well-being.
- Developing diagnostic systems aids in identifying specific infant difficulties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review instruments and methods for identifying infant mental health difficulties.
- To assess the psychometric properties of these tools.
- To evaluate their suitability for primary care settings.
Main Methods:
- Evidence-based review of available instruments and methods.
- Inclusion of observations, questionnaires, and checklists.
- Focus on tools applicable in primary care.
Main Results:
- A range of tools exist for identifying infant mental health issues.
- Psychometric properties vary across different instruments.
- Suitability for primary care settings is a key consideration.
Conclusions:
- Debate exists on the identification of infant mental health problems.
- Standardized tools facilitate comparison of infant observations.
- Atypical development can be identified for focused attention and support.
Background:
Emotional and behavioural problems emerging in very young children can represent a challenge to the child and family and warrant early identification and appropriate support or intervention. Diagnostic systems are being developed that allow for specific difficulties to be identified and this review summarizes them.
Scope:
This evidenced based review describes the psychometric properties and potential for use in clinical practice of a range of instruments and methods that are available to identify infant mental health difficulties, and which may be suitable for use in primary care settings, including observations, questionnaires and checklists.
Findings And Conclusion:
While debate continues about whether infant mental health problems can or should be identified, the use of standardized tools may help clinicians to compare observations of infants so that those emerging as atypical can receive additional attention, reflecting a more targeted approach to primary care services.
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