Instruments for screening and assessing oral language in preschool children via digital health: a scoping review

the unequal distribution of specialized professionals has motivated research in digital health to address the needs of oral language care in early childhood, considering that language delays are frequent concerns at this stage. This scoping review investigated: "Which instruments are applicable for oral language screening and assessment in early childhood using digital health?".

the databases consulted were PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, Embase, and Scopus, in addition to grey literature through Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

Studies were included if they used oral language screening and assessment tests delivered via teleconsultation, mobile applications, or web-based tools, with no restrictions on time, language, or ethnicity, in clinical, educational, or non-clinical contexts.

Of the 2,435 studies identified, 20 met the inclusion criteria.

Eleven studies investigated the screening of language skills and nine addressed language assessment through digital means. Fourteen studies adapted previously validated face-to-face tests for online use; four developed specific tools for teleconsultation; and two conducted synchronous or asynchronous observations without standardized protocols. Most studies were carried out in clinical contexts with speech-language pathologists, although community health workers also participated in some cases. Videoconferencing was the most frequently used digital modality.

The findings of this review reinforce the feasibility of telehealth for screening and assessing oral language in early childhood, highlighting the need for further research to consolidate evidence-based practices in speech-language telehealth.