Effects of Pediatric Training for Detecting Signs of Developmental Problems

Abstract

A multicenter study (2004-2008) of clinical Risk Indicators for Child Development (IRDI) created and validated 31 indicators that can be observed in the initial 18 months post birth, with a statistically significant ability to predict developmental problems and psychic risk. Pediatricians were trained to collect data using the instrument. We discuss what remained for the pediatricians by interviewing a pediatrician who attended the course. The interview was analyzed from an institutional discourse perspective, revealing an objective/subjective duality and a split between prior and acquired knowledge. The ward emergency scenario does not provide enough time for a guided look at the indicators; indicators associated with parental function had a greater impact. The course increased his pleasure in his clinical practice, although his prior knowledge was limited. We suggest investigating the extent and limits of the effects of IRDI-oriented training for medical practice.