Abstract
Background
Children with biological risk may experience developmental delays, even in the absence of brain injury. Identifying warning signs and knowledge of contextual factors are vital to favor intervention. Telehealth can aid in screening by providing access for populations that face physical and social barriers. As such, the aim of this study was to describe the e-Followkids screening protocol and how its feasibility will be assessed.
Methods
A multicentric longitudinal prospective study with 50 caregivers of children born with some form of biological risk: preterm, low birth weight or perinatal complications. Screening will be conducted remotely at 12, 18 and 24 months old, using internationally recognized instruments with valid psychometric properties. Functional skills will be measured via the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory Computer Adaptive Test and participation by Young Children's Participation and Environment Measure. Contextual factors will be analyzed using the Child’s Context questionnaire, the environment portion of each section of the YC-PEM, Social Support Scale, the physical dimension of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development scale, sociodemographic data, and the Survey of Well-being of Young Children. The data will be collected by filling out forms, telephone interviews or video calls.
Discussion
The e-Followkids protocol could contribute to identifying possible signs of limitations and guiding referrals to specialized intervention.