An Evaluation of Implementation of Developmental Screening in a Rural Primary Care Clinic

2011

Developmental disabilities affect approximately 17% of children in the United States and have a significant impact on their health and educational functioning (Boyle et al., 1994) and quality of life (Sheppard-Jones et al., 2005). Early detection of developmental disabilities and appropriate intervention improves functioning and reduces the need for lifelong intervention (NCBDDD, 2005). The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using validated developmental screening tools at 9, 18, and 30 month well-child visits in order to monitor developmental progress of young children. The purpose of this project is to evaluate a rural primary care practice?s implementation of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, a standardized developmental screener. Data were collected from over 200 well-child visits in order to examine accuracy in administration procedures, physician recommendations during the visit, and physician referral behaviors. The RE-AIM Framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance; Glasgow et al., 1999) was utilized for evaluation of implementation.

Conference presentations and posters presented

Consumers/Families, Professionals, Students

N/A