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Developmential Screening Initiative (DSI)

To assure that no child reaches kindergarten with an undetected
developmental condition.

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Background

It is estimated that the prevalence of developmental disabilities in the United States pediatric population is 12% to 16%. Halfon et. al states that only half of families report that their children have ever received a developmental assessment performed by their doctors. However, all pediatricians report assessing developmental milestones as part of the routine well-child care visit. The methods by which they do so vary, however. Clinical assessment alone detects less than 30% of children with developmental disabilities and only 20% to 30% of children with disabilities are identified before they reach kindergarten.

In response to these alarming statistics, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a policy statement in 2001, calling for universal developmental screening of infants and young children as part of routine well-child care check-ups. The AAP emphasized the use of standardized screening tools. However, although the AAP has emphasized the use of developmental screening for the pediatric population, they have not yet outlined a procedure to bring about this systematic change. This is the basis for forming the Developmental Screening Initiative (DSI) in New Mexico.

Screening Options And Impacts

DSI offers training and networking across disciplines throughout New Mexico’s pediatric healthcare system. Our screening programs have a huge impact in New Mexico communitites. Most clinics give clients the DSI Developmental Screening booklet, packed with information and tools to empower families with practical tips for partnering with medical providers to advocate for the highest standard of care in developmental screening for their child.

About The Program

In collaboration with the UNM HSC Center for Development and Disability (CDD) and Envision NM, DSI NM’s mission is to promote best practices in developmental screening for children birth to five years of age. The long-term goal of DSI is “to assure that no child reaches kindergarten with an undetected developmental condition.” Late detection of disabilities impacts school readiness, gaps in achievement and result in significant health disparities. Research indicates that early intervention programs cause increased academic performance, decreased need for special education, decreased criminal conduct and increased adult earnings.

The goal of DSI is to promote the use of standardized developmental screening and QI tools for earlier identification and intervention for developmental delays. Utilizing a community-based intervention model, DSI will work with healthcare providers and early intervention programs within communities to provide learning collaborative training, education and technical assistance to:

  • Provide patient/parent centered care.
  • Facilitate acquisition of knowledge.
  • Implement clinical skills.
  • Implement and evaluate QI performance.
  • Network with community and state agencies.
  • Improve capacity within each respective community for earlier identification of children with developmental delays.

The project will also provide ongoing technical support via Telehealth conferencing and conclude with beginning and end-of-project comparison assessment of achievement of project goals.

Participants

Presently, 12 primary care sites are participating in the initiative. Ten sites are in the Albuquerque metro area and two sites are in Roswell, NM. Participants have received an all-day training regarding the use of standardized developmental screening and QI tools for earlier identification and intervention for developmental delays. Utilizing a community-based intervention model, DSI will work with healthcare providers and early intervention programs within communities to provide learning collaborative training, education and technical assistance.

DSI is recruiting pediatricians and family medicine physicians for the next cycle of trainings. If you need Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credit, DSI is the project for you! For more information, contact Fauzia at 505.925.7610 or email her at fimalik@salud.unm.edu.

Telehealth

The initiative also provides ongoing technical support via Telehealth conferencing. The DSI telehealth series is a statewide resource and can be accessed by anyone.

DSI Tools & Resources

National Resources:

State Resources:

Contact

Fauzia Malik, MPAS
DSI Program Manager
625 Silver Ave. SW, Suite 324
Albuquerque, NM 87102
fimalik@salud.unm.edu
Phone: 505.925.7610
Fax: 505.925.7601

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