Challenges in monitoring the development of young children in remote Aboriginal health services: clinical audit findings and recommendations for improving practice.
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Date
20210615
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Affiliation(s)
(D'Aprano) Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
(Silburn, Robinson) Centre for Child Development and Education, Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Territory, Casuarina, Australia
(Johnston) Department of Health, Royal Darwin Hospital, Northern Territory, Tiwi, Australia
(Bailie) Centre for Primary Health Care Systems, Menzies School of Health Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
(Mensah, Oberklaid) Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
(Mensah, Oberklaid) Centre for Community Child Health at The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
(Silburn, Robinson) Centre for Child Development and Education, Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Territory, Casuarina, Australia
(Johnston) Department of Health, Royal Darwin Hospital, Northern Territory, Tiwi, Australia
(Bailie) Centre for Primary Health Care Systems, Menzies School of Health Research, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
(Mensah, Oberklaid) Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
(Mensah, Oberklaid) Centre for Community Child Health at The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
Year
2016
Citation
Rural and Remote Health. Vol.16(3), 2016, pp. 1-10.
Journal
Rural and Remote Health
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Organisation: (ARC) Australian Research Council Organisation No: 501100000923 Country: Australia
Organisation: (LI) Lowitja Institute Organisation No: 501100004148 Country: Australia
Organisation: (LI) Lowitja Institute Organisation No: 501100004148 Country: Australia
Abstract
Introduction: Early detection of developmental difficulties is universally considered a necessary public health measure, with routine developmental monitoring an important function of primary healthcare services. This study aimed to describe the developmental monitoring practice in two remote Australian Aboriginal primary healthcare services and to identify gaps in the delivery of developmental monitoring services. Method(s): A cross-sectional baseline medical record audit of all resident children aged less than 5 years in two remote Aboriginal health centres in the Northern Territory (NT) in Australia was undertaken between December 2010 and November 2011. Result(s): A total of 151 medical records were audited, 80 in Community A and 71 in Community B. Developmental checks were more likely among children who attended services more regularly. In Community A, 63 (79%) medical records had some evidence of a developmental check and in Community B there were 42 (59%) medical records with such evidence. However, there was little indication of how assessments were undertaken: only one record noted the use of a formal developmental screening measure. In Community A, 16 (16%) records documented parent report and 20 (20%) documented staff observations, while in Community B, the numbers were 2 (3%) and 11 (19%), respectively. The overall recorded prevalence of developmental difficulties was 21% in Community A and 6% in Community B. Conclusion(s): This is the first study to describe the quality of developmental monitoring practice in remote Australian Aboriginal health services. The audit findings suggest the need for a systems-wide approach to the delivery and recording of developmental monitoring services. This will require routine training of remote Aboriginal health workers and remote area nurses in developmental monitoring practice including the use of a culturally appropriate, structured developmental screening measure. Copyright © James Cook University 2016, http://www.jcu.edu.au
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Article
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Paediatrics
Rural and remote health
Rural and remote health