Preferences for Neurodevelopmental Screening Modalities for Children: A Labeled Discrete Choice Experiment Using...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Healthcare
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Digital Health

Background:

• Healthcare access for neurodevelopmental care is challenging.
• Virtual care models show potential to bridge access gaps.
• Family preferences for different virtual screening modalities are not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine families' preferences for accessing child neurodevelopmental screening.
• To compare preferences for face-to-face versus various virtual screening modalities.

Main Methods:

• Discrete Choice Experiment involving 502 families of children under 5.
• Evaluated modalities: video conferencing, telephone, mobile app, online portal, face-to-face.
• Utilized mixed logit and latent class models for preference analysis.

Main Results:

• Families showed a significant preference for face-to-face screening over all virtual options.
• Preferred attributes included shorter appointments and combined parent-clinician screening.
• A 'Digitally Oriented Class' (25%) preferred mobile apps and online portals.

Conclusions:

• Face-to-face screening remains preferred by most families for neurodevelopmental assessments.
• Virtual care, especially via mobile apps and online portals, may appeal to a subset of families.
• Virtual options can enhance accessibility but may not fully substitute in-person care.