TY - JOUR
T1 - Developmental screening
T2 - Predictors of follow-up adherence in primary health care
AU - Schoeman, J.C.
AU - Swanepoel, D.W.
AU - Van Der Linde, J.
PY - 2017/1/1
Y1 - 2017/1/1
N2 - Background: The importance of early identification for infants and young children with developmental delays is well established. Poor follow-up on referrals, however, undermines the effectiveness of early intervention programmes. Objectives: To identify factors, including text message reminders, that influence follow-up adherence for early intervention after developmental screening in primary health care. A secondary objective surveyed reasons for follow-up default. Methods: The PEDS tools were used to screen 247 high-risk children. A risk assessment questionnaire was completed with caregivers whose children were referred for speech-language and/or occupational therapy (n=106, 43%). A quasi-experimental correlational study was employed to identify risk factors for defaulting on appointments. A thematic analysis of telephonic interviews was also employed to determine reasons for follow-up defaults. Results: Follow-up adherence was 17%. Participants who were never married, divorced or widowed were 2.88 times more likely to attend a follow-up appointment than those who were married or living together (95%, CI 0.97-8.63). Text message reminders did not improve follow-up. More than half (58%) of participants who defaulted on appontments could be reached for telephonic interviews. Interviews showed that 87% of participants were unconcerned about their child’s development. Other reasons for defaulting were employment, logistical issues, other responsibilities and forgetfulness. Conclusion: Follow-up adherence for early intervention services following a positive primary health care screen was poor. Increased awareness and education regarding the importance of development for educational success is needed.
AB - Background: The importance of early identification for infants and young children with developmental delays is well established. Poor follow-up on referrals, however, undermines the effectiveness of early intervention programmes. Objectives: To identify factors, including text message reminders, that influence follow-up adherence for early intervention after developmental screening in primary health care. A secondary objective surveyed reasons for follow-up default. Methods: The PEDS tools were used to screen 247 high-risk children. A risk assessment questionnaire was completed with caregivers whose children were referred for speech-language and/or occupational therapy (n=106, 43%). A quasi-experimental correlational study was employed to identify risk factors for defaulting on appointments. A thematic analysis of telephonic interviews was also employed to determine reasons for follow-up defaults. Results: Follow-up adherence was 17%. Participants who were never married, divorced or widowed were 2.88 times more likely to attend a follow-up appointment than those who were married or living together (95%, CI 0.97-8.63). Text message reminders did not improve follow-up. More than half (58%) of participants who defaulted on appontments could be reached for telephonic interviews. Interviews showed that 87% of participants were unconcerned about their child’s development. Other reasons for defaulting were employment, logistical issues, other responsibilities and forgetfulness. Conclusion: Follow-up adherence for early intervention services following a positive primary health care screen was poor. Increased awareness and education regarding the importance of development for educational success is needed.
KW - Developmental screening
KW - Follow-up return rate
KW - Occupational therapy
KW - PEDS tools
KW - Primary health care
KW - Speech-language therapy
KW - Text message reminders
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85019944992&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.4314/ahs.v17i1.8
DO - 10.4314/ahs.v17i1.8
M3 - Article
C2 - 29026377
AN - SCOPUS:85019944992
VL - 17
SP - 52
EP - 61
JO - African Health Sciences
JF - African Health Sciences
SN - 1680-6905
IS - 1
ER -