Early Identification of Developmental DelaysResearch by Dr. Bergen NelsonPresented by Gabby Cooper and Olivia Smith

Does the use of the telephone helpline 211 identify developmental delays in children between the age 1 and 3 more than a traditional physicians visit?

Hypothesis: If validated screening tools are accessible to caretakers, then there will be more diagnoses in developmental delay

Background: The importance of Early Identification

● Lack of time during checkups● Use of unvalidated screening tools● Caretakers with a tight work

schedule● Not following through on referrals

● Early treatments and therapies● Maximized effectiveness of

treatment at young age.● Easier adjustment into school and

learning communities.

Current Issues With Developmental Screening and Diagnoses

Impact

Background: What is 211 and how is it used?211 is a Telephone Service that anybody can call for

information on health and human servicesVerified screening over the phoneDetailed Questionnaires can detect more subtle signs of delayPhone operator can link caretaker to Regional and set up

appointment.

Study Design

*Graphic created by Dr. Nelson

Methods

Directly worked with retrospective data

A medical student took information from records needed for analysis

Looked at multiple variables

Focused on use of screening tools and referrals and diagnosis made

How was our data was analyzed

Results143 anonymous patient’s

records recorded.

EHR/EPIC = unvalidated

Only 1 (ASQ) of the 3 validated screening tools was used.

More referrals made than ASQ screenings done :/

Conclusion Retrospective element of study indicates that physicians are

screening for developmental delays, but with unverified screening surveys.

Indicates a need for screening tools that pick up on more nuanced delay.

Introspective element of the study is ongoing but preliminary results show a large increase in diagnoses with the use of 211.

Future Future investigations would broaden the study to multiple clinics .

Use of more sensitive and accessible screening tools has power to catch early signs of delay.

SourcesEaves, Linda C., and Helena H. Ho. "The Very Early

Identification of Autism: Outcome to Age 41/2–5." Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 34.4 (2004): 367-78. Web. 17 Feb. 2016.

"One Little Number. So Many Reasons." What Is 211? N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Feb. 2016.

Nelson, Bergen, Dr. Study Data. N.d. Raw data. N.p.