Developmental Screening—Evaluation of an m-Health Version of the Parents Evaluation Developmental Status Tools

Abstract

Outcomes of the smartphone application, operated by a CHW, corresponded closely to the gold standard PEDS tools operated by a health professional. Trained CHWs can conduct accurate developmental screening using the smartphone version of the PEDS tools.

Feeding and developmental outcomes of infants in a South African community

“…The PEDS and PEDS-DM demonstrate high sensitivity (75% and 82%) and specificity (80% and 83%) scores in infants from birth to 12 months (Van der Linde et al, 2015b). A recent study confirmed the accuracy of the application of the PEDS and PEDS-DM as a mobile health (mHealth) tool to the South African population (Maleka et al, 2016). Thus, the PEDS tools were deemed appropriate tools to use within the primary health care context of South Africa (Van der Linde et al, 2015b).…”

Early detection of developmental delays in vulnerable children by community care workers using an mHealth tool

“…These tools were recently developed into a smartphone application by the University of Pretoria using the same algorithm as the original paper-based tool. [9] Almost perfect agreement (99%) was found between the screening outcome, administered by a CCW, and the paper-based version, administered by a speech-language therapist. [9] It was written as a native Android application in Java making use of the Android Software Development Kit (SDK).…”

“…[9] Almost perfect agreement (99%) was found between the screening outcome, administered by a CCW, and the paper-based version, administered by a speech-language therapist. [9] It was written as a native Android application in Java making use of the Android Software Development Kit (SDK). The PEDS application was installed on ten Vodacom Smart mini 7 smartphones (Android OS 6.0).…”

“…[8] Furthermore, the referral framework of the RTHB screen is insufficient, since no indication is given to whom children should be referred to and for which services. [9] PHC personnel tasked with conducting developmental screening as part of well-baby clinics, regularly lack the knowledge to correctly identify and refer children with developmental delays. [7] This can be ascribed to, amongst other factors, limited knowledge regarding the scope of practice of allied healthcare professionals and as a result may hamper appropriate referrals.…”

“…Evaluation of Developmental Status: Developmental Milestones (PEDS: DM) [28] are parent-administered screening tools that have recently been adapted for use as mHealth tools. [9] The PEDS used in combination with the PEDS: DM is proven to be an accurate approach to developmental screening. [29] Currently there is limited evidence regarding the role of CCWs in the developmental screening of children, especially using mHealth technology such as the PEDS tools.…”