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Developmental screening tools for identification of children with developmental difficulties in high-income

Sara Cibralic1, Patrick Hawker2, Ferosa Khan2

  • 1Ingham Institute, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.

Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|January 16, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This systematic review found that while developmental screening tools are feasible and acceptable, their accuracy varies. More research is needed to improve developmental surveillance and screening practices.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Universal developmental screening and surveillance are crucial for early identification of developmental delays.
  • High-income countries increasingly utilize various tools for these purposes.
  • Understanding the psychometric properties, acceptability, feasibility, and follow-up actions of these tools is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and synthesize the literature on universal developmental screening and surveillance tools in high-income countries.
  • To evaluate the psychometric properties, knowledge, acceptability, and feasibility of these tools.
  • To examine the follow-up actions taken after screening or surveillance.

Main Methods:

  • A PRISMA-compliant systematic review was conducted using PsychInfo, PubMed, and Embase databases.
  • Included studies evaluated universal developmental screening or surveillance tools, or reported on provider/parent views.
  • Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed by two independent reviewers; results were synthesized qualitatively.

Main Results:

  • 52 articles were included from 2,078 initial searches.
  • The accuracy of screening tools varies across cultures and countries.
  • Administering universal developmental screening tools appears feasible and acceptable, though supporting literature is limited.
  • Few studies investigated actions taken following positive screening results.

Conclusions:

  • Current evidence suggests variability in the accuracy of developmental screening tools.
  • There is a need for further research on the acceptability, feasibility, and accuracy of developmental screeners.
  • Improved understanding and research are necessary to optimize developmental surveillance and screening practices.
Abstract

Keywords:
developmental screeningdevelopmental surveillancehigh-income countriesreviewtoolsyoung children

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