Evaluation of psychomotor development in children by family doctors: an observational study

Authors

  • Ana Rita Maia Médica interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF S. Miguel, ACES Espinho/Gaia
  • João Fernandes Médico interno de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Arco do Prado, ACES Gaia
  • Mariana Fidalgo Leite Médica interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Saúde no Futuro, ACES Gaia
  • Helena Santos Pediatra. Serviço de Pediatria do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (Consulta de Desenvolvimento)
  • Susana Aires Pereira Pediatra. Serviço de Pediatria do Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (Consulta de Desenvolvimento)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v32i4.11825

Keywords:

Psychomotor Development, Primary Healthcare

Abstract

Goals: To assess the current status of the evaluation of psychomotor development in children by family doctors during regular clinic visits in two primary healthcare groupings, ACES Gaia and Espinho/Gaia. Study design: Cross-sectional study. Location: ACES Gaia and Espinho/Gaia. Population: Family medicine specialists of ACES Gaia and Espinho/Gaia. Methods: We distributed a self-administered questionnaire written by the authors consisting of 18 multiple-choice questions about the evaluation of psychomotor development during well child consultations. Data were analyzed with Microsoft Excel 2010®. This study is reported according to the STROBE guidelines. Results: Completed questionnaires were received from 112 of the 193 specialists (58%) in these two healthcare groupings. The assessment of psychomotor development is performed by 99% and 84% take more than five minutes in doing so. The Modified Mary Sheridan Scale is used by 97% and 72% of respondents considered that they need more training on the use of this scale, while 50% have doubts related to referrals. A lack of time (76% of respondents) and a lack of material (66% of respondents) are considered to be the main difficulties encountered when assessing psychomotor development. Conclusions: Given the role that family doctors play in the assessment of the psychomotor development of infants and children, it is essential to provide these professionals with adequate time, training, and material conditions to complete this task.

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Published

2016-07-01

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 4 (2016): Revista Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar

Section

Original Research

License

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The authors authorise the RPMGF (or any entity it may appoint) to act on their behalf when it believes that copyright may have been infringed.

 

How to Cite

Evaluation of psychomotor development in children by family doctors: an observational study. (2016). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 32(4), 248-56. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v32i4.11825

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