A realist review of digitally delivered child development assessment and screening tools: Psychometrics and considerations for future use

• Published in: Early human development 2023-08, Vol.183, p.105818-105818, Article 105818
• Main Authors: Komanchuk, Jelena, Cameron, Judy L., Kurbatfinski, Stefan, Duffett-Leger, Linda, Letourneau, Nicole
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Child development; Digital data collection; Early childhood; Equivalence reliability; Psychometrics
• ISSN: 0378-3782; 1872-6232
• DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105818

Developmental screening improves the detection of developmental concerns, yet numerous children are not screened/assessed. Remote child developmental tool administration has been utilized to increase screening and assessment accessibility. We conducted a realist review to: (1) identify existing multi-domain child development assessment and screening tools for children 0–5 years; (2) review psychometric data on their digital (i.e., only administered remotely) administration; and (3) explore contextual factors relevant to their digital administration. We searched APA PsycInfo, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and ERIC to identify tools and papers on their psychometrics. We reference-searched included articles and searched Google for relevant grey literature. Of 33 multi-domain child development tools identified in objective one, five tools (in five studies) were delivered digitally and compared to traditional (e.g., paper) delivery (i.e., objective two). Studies evaluated within-group equivalence reliability (k = 2) and between-group equivalence (k = 3). Within-group equivalence reliability was established for the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, and domains (e.g., gross motor) of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires 2nd edition (ASQ-2) and Revised Prescreening Denver Questionnaire (R-PDQ). Between group equivalence was demonstrated for Developmental Neuropsychological Assessment, 2nd Edition (NEPSY-II) subtests and Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition (Bayley-3) items. In another between group evaluation, web-based and paper versions of the ASQ-2 were deemed generally equivalent. Digital Bayley-3 inter-observer reliability ranged from 0.82 to 1.0. Examiner support, time, tool modifications, family resources, and comfort promotion supported digital administration. Digitally delivered ASQ-2, R-PDQ, Vineland, and Bayley-3 and NEPSY-II components show promise for equivalence with traditional administration. •Digital child development tools may increase assessments of more children.•Digital and traditionally delivered screening and assessment tools were compared.•Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, ASQ-2, R-PDQ, Bayley-3, and NEPSY-II were evaluated.•Promise shown for digital child developmental tool administration.•Digital delivery facilitated by support, comfort, and consideration of resources.