Prioritized Surveillance of Young At-risk South African Children: An Evaluation of the PEDS Tools Referral and Response Characteristics

摘要

Background. Prioritization of referrals following developmental screening is essential to ensure early intervention in resource-constrained settings. Objectives. To evaluate the referral criteria and response characteristics of the PEDS tools to determine its applicability in at-risk South African children. Methods. A retrospective analysis of the PEDS tools data for 406 participants at risk of developmental delays between the age of five and 36 months in a primary health care setting. Results. The PEDS in isolation had a referral rate of 41% (n=168) and the PEDS:DM had a slightly higher referral rate of 54% (n=213). Referral criteria of the PEDS:DM in isolation as well as of the PEDS tools combined prioritizing moderately to severely affected children were modelled from the data. Conclusion. The PEDS tools must be evaluated for applicability in low-and-middle-income countries. Referral criteria must be sensitive to the demands on under-resourced health care systems.