Impact of a "No Mobile Device" Policy on Developmental Surveillance in a Pediatric Clinic. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Regan, Paul A.; Fogel, Benjamin N.; Hicks, Steven D.
• Is Part Of: Clinical pediatrics. Volume 57:Number 10(2018)
• Page Start: 1216
• Page End: 1223
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: mobile device -- developmental screening -- Ages and Stages Questionnaire -- ASQ-3 -- cell phone policy; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1177/0009922818769434
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0009-9228

Abstract

Children commonly use mobile devices at pediatric office visits. This practice may affect patient-provider interaction and undermine accuracy of developmental surveillance. A randomized, provider-blinded, controlled trial examined whether a policy prohibiting mobile device use in a pediatric clinic improved accuracy of pediatricians' developmental surveillance. Children, aged 18 to 36 months, were randomized to device-prohibited (intervention; n = 58) or device-allowed (control; n = 54) groups. After a 30-minute well-visit, development was evaluated as "normal, " "borderline, " or "delayed" in 5 categories using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3). ASQ-3 results were compared with providers' clinical assessment in each category. Provider-ASQ discrepancies were more common for intervention participants ( P = .025). Providers "missed" more ASQ-3 "delayed" scores ( P = .005) in the intervention group, particularly in the fine motor domain ( P = .018). Prohibiting mobile device use at well-visits did not improve accuracy of providers' developmental surveillance. Mobile devices may entertain children at well-visits, allowing opportunities for parent-provider discussion, or observation of fine motor skills.