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Remote screening protocol for functioning and contextual factors (e-Followkids) in Brazilian children with biological
Raissa Wanderley Ferraz de Abreu1, Camila Resende Gâmbaro Lima1, Adriana Neves Dos Santos2
1Infant Development Analysis Laboratory (LADI), Departament of Physiotherapy, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
Insights
This study introduces the e-Followkids telehealth protocol for screening developmental delays in at-risk children. It assesses feasibility for early intervention in diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric developmental screening
- Telehealth applications in child development
- Longitudinal child health studies
Background:
- Biological risk factors in early childhood can lead to developmental delays, necessitating early identification and intervention.
- Contextual factors significantly influence child development and intervention outcomes.
- Telehealth offers a solution to overcome barriers in accessing developmental screening for at-risk populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the e-Followkids screening protocol designed for children with biological risks.
- To assess the feasibility of this remote screening protocol.
- To evaluate the utility of telehealth in identifying developmental delays and contextual factors.
Main Methods:
- A multicentric, longitudinal prospective study involving 80 caregivers of children with biological risks (preterm, low birth weight, perinatal complications).
- Remote screening conducted at 12, 18, and 24 months using validated instruments: SWYC (body structure/function), PEDI-CAT (functional abilities), YC-PEM (participation).
- Environmental factors assessed via Child's Context questionnaire, YC-PEM environment section, Social Support Scale, and motor development scales; data collected via electronic forms and remote interviews/video calls.
Main Results:
- Feasibility of the e-Followkids protocol will be assessed through data collection on its usability and effectiveness.
- The study aims to demonstrate the successful remote assessment of body structure/function, functional abilities, participation, and environmental factors.
- Preliminary findings on the protocol's feasibility and the screening of at-risk children are anticipated.
Conclusions:
- The e-Followkids protocol provides a feasible telehealth solution for developmental screening in at-risk children.
- Remote screening can effectively identify developmental delays and relevant contextual factors, facilitating timely intervention.
- Telehealth enhances access to crucial developmental monitoring for children facing geographical or social barriers.
Abstract:
Children with biological risk may experience developmental delays, even in the absence of brain injury. Identifying warning signs and knowledge of contextual factors are vital to favor intervention. Telehealth can aid in screening by providing access for populations that face physical and social barriers. As such, the aim of this study was to describe the e-Followkids screening protocol and how its feasibility will be assessed. A multicentric longitudinal prospective study with 80 caregivers of children born with some form of biological risk: preterm, low birth weight or perinatal complications. Screening will be conducted remotely at 12, 18 and 24 months old, using internationally recognized instruments with valid psychometric properties. The body structure and function component will be assessed using the Survey of Well-Being of Young Children (SWYC), functional abilities with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT), and participation using the Young Children's Participation and Environment Measure (YC-PEM). Environmental factors will be analyzed using the Child's Context questionnaire, the environment portion of each section of the YC-PEM, Social Support Scale, the physical dimension of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development scale, and sociodemographic data. The data will be collected by filling out electronic forms (body structure and function, functional skills and contextual factors), telephone interviews or video calls (participation measures).
