Abstract

MAIA, Ana Rita et al. Evaluation of psychomotor development in children by family doctors: an observational study. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2016, vol.32, n.4, pp.248-256. ISSN 2182-5173.

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.

Keywords : Psychomotor Development; Primary Healthcare.

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