POINT-OF-CARE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING IN THE CHILDREN'S EMERGENCY ROOM: A PRELIMINARY REPORT.

Background: Developmental delays in children are often missed during routine medical visits, leading to long-term consequences if undetected. The Children's Emergency Room (CHER) offers a unique opportunity for early screening, serving as a frequent contact point for families. This study aimed to assess the developmental profiles of children presenting to CHER at NAUTH, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria, emphasizing the need for early intervention.

Methods: In this cross-sectional, mixed-methods study, children aged 0-5.5 years presenting to CHER over one month were screened using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). Data analysis was conducted using STATA 16.0, and children with identified developmental delays were referred to the Developmental and Behavioural Paediatrics (DBP) clinic. Interviews with healthcare providers and caregivers explored the feasibility of implementing routine screening in CHER.

Results: Out of 34 children screened, 55.9% (19/34) displayed developmental delays, with problem-solving and fine motor skills being the most affected (29.4% each). Global developmental delay was identified in 32.4% (11/34). Female children had significantly higher communication delays than males (29.4% vs. 0%, p=0.044). Sixty percent of healthcare providers believed screening would be feasible with additional training and resources.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of developmental delays, particularly in girls' communication skills, highlights the need for early detection. With adequate training and resources, integrating developmental screening into CHER could significantly enhance early intervention efforts and address the unmet needs of children in resource-limited settings.