How do primary health-care practitioners identify and manage communication impairments in preschool children?

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Woolfenden ◽  
Kate Short ◽  
Roger Blackmore ◽  
Rene Pennock ◽  
Michael Moore

Communication impairments (CIs) in preschool children are common and can have long-term adverse consequences if not detected and treated early. This study investigated the knowledge, training and practice of primary health-care practitioners in the identification and management of CIs in preschool-aged children. A cross-sectional survey of 277 primary health-care practitioners in the Inner West and South West Sydney was undertaken. The majority of practitioners surveyed understood the importance of early identification of CIs. Eight per cent of practitioners correctly identified all of the ‘red flags’ for verbal and non-verbal communication. The majority (80%) correctly described the management of a typical case presentation. Two-thirds of practitioners reported using a tool in their practice for developmental surveillance, but the quality of surveillance tools was variable. One-third felt their training in this area was poor and 90% indicated they would like further training. Barriers to referral included waiting times, availability and cost of services. We concluded that primary health-care practitioners are aware that CIs are significant and they need to be identified early. There are opportunities for further training and promoting high-quality developmental surveillance in primary care. In addition, there are broader health system issues that include promotion of an integrated response to the detection and management of CIs.

10.2196/11147 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (12) ◽  
pp. e11147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesc X Marin-Gomez ◽  
Francesc Garcia Cuyas ◽  
Ramon Reig-Bolano ◽  
Jacobo Mendioroz ◽  
Pere Roura-Poch ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Katariina Mäkelä ◽  
Mira Rajala ◽  
Kirsi Kivelä ◽  
Maria Kääriäinen ◽  
Pirjo Kaakinen

Author(s):  
Razaz Mohammed Wali ◽  
Abdulaziz Saeed Baghlaf ◽  
Abdulaziz Abdullah Almehmadi ◽  
Mohanad Gharmallah Alzahrani ◽  
Obada Tarik Fathi ◽  
...  

Aims: To estimate the burden and risk factor of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) in preschool children attending well-baby clinics in primary health care centers of the National Guard in Jeddah. Study Design: Cross Sectional study design Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the primary health care centers of the National Guard Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, which are the specialized polyclinic namely Iskan clinic district and Bahra Clinic. The study was started on 26 September, 2018 to January 2020. Methodology: A cross-sectional study included all preschool children aged 2-5 years attending well-baby clinics. Data were collected by distributing a self-developed and validated questionnaire to parents or guardians in waiting areas outside the well-baby clinics. Results: A total of 286 participants met the inclusion criteria. Anemia was found in 9.8% children. The prevalence of IDA among the participants was only 6.3%, but it was the most common compared to other types of anemia. The only findings that were found statistically significant with anemia were family history (P = 0.001) and use of supplement (P = 0.000). Conclusion: IDA is still the most prevalent type of anemia; however, it was found in only 6.3% participants. The only statistically significant factors associated with anemia were positive family history and supplement intake.


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