Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Parent-Professional Codevelopment of a Tool to Stimulate Children’s Development at Home: The TRIAGE Method

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Child and Family Studies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Children from families with low income are at an increased risk of developmental delays. While early interventions are effective in supporting the development of these children, families with low income often face barriers to accessing suitable interventions. The aim of this paper was to apply a participatory codevelopment process to produce a tool adapted for families with low income that informs parents about early child development and strengthens their capacity to create a stimulating learning environment at home. The objectives were to identify 1) the prioritized needs for parental information (tool content) and 2) the most appropriate format to reach our target population (tool format). Parents, pediatric healthcare professionals, community workers, managers and scientific advisers participated in a two-phase consensus-seeking process (Technique of Research of Information by Animation of a Group of Experts (TRIAGE)) to reach an agreement regarding the tool content and format. The participants unanimously decided to present information about red flags, referral sources, support resources and autonomy development strategies in an original, appealing, and accessible format of a life-size growth chart. The developed tool, named Roots to Bloom, can be used in primary healthcare and community settings to support interventions aimed at preventing developmental delays. This study reinforced the effectiveness of the TRIAGE method in enabling a group of stakeholders to reach a consensus.

Highlights

  • Optimally, tools to support child development should be developed to be accessible to all families.

  • The TRIAGE method is effective in enabling a heterogeneous group of stakeholders to reach a consensus.

  • Parents may benefit from strategies to foster the development of their children’s autonomy as part of their daily routines.

  • Parents concerned about their children’s development may benefit from information to navigate healthcare systems.

  • Strategies to promote research participation among families with low income are needed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abbasgholizadeh Rahimi, S., Jamshidi, A., Ruiz, A., & Ait-kadi, D. (2016). A new dynamic integrated framework for surgical patients’ prioritization considering risks and uncertainties. Decision Support Systems, 88, 112–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anadon, M. (2007). La recherche participative: Multiples regards. Saint-Nicolas: Presses de l’Université du Québec.

    Google Scholar 

  • Avenir d’enfants. (2019). Barriers on families’ pathways. https://agirtot.org/english/barriers-on-families-pathways/.

  • Axford, N., Lehtonen, M., Kaoukji, D., Tobin, K., & Berry, V. (2012). Engaging parents in parenting programs: Lessons from research and practice. Children and Youth Services Review, 34(10), 2061–2071.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benjamin, T. E., Lucas-Thompson, R. G., Little, L. M., Davies, P. L., & Khetani, M. A. (2017). Participation in early childhood educational environments for young children with and without developmental disabilities and delays: A mixed methods study. Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 37(1), 87–107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Benzies, K., & Mychasiuk, R. (2009). Fostering family resiliency: A review of the key protective factors. Child & Family Social Work, 14(1), 103–114.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boger, J., Latulippe, K., Tremblay, M., Poulin, V., Provencher, V., Giguere, A. M., Sévigny, A., Dubé, V., Éthier, S., Guay, M., Carignan, M., & Giroux, D. (2019). Prioritizing the needs of caregivers of older adults to support their help-seeking process as a first step to developing an ehealth tool: The technique for research of information by animation of a group of experts (TRIAGE) method. JMIR Aging, 2(1), e12271.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronfenbrenner, U. (1986). Ecology of the family as a context for human development: Research perspectives. Developmental Psychology, 22(6), 723–742.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brooks-Gunn, J. (2003). Do you believe in magic? What we can expect from early childhood intervention programs. Social Policy Report, 17(1), 3–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bull, F. C., Holt, C. L., Kreuter, M. W., Clark, E. M., & Scharff, D. (2001). Understanding the effects of printed health education materials: Which features lead to which outcomes? Journal of Health Communication, 6(3), 265–279.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Canadian Public Health Association. (2008). A vision for a health literate canada: Report of the expert panel on health literacy. https://www.cpha.ca/vision-health-literate-canada-report-expert-panel-health-literacy.

  • Chung, C. Y., Liu, W. Y., Chang, C. J., Chen, C. L., Tang, S. F. T., & Wong, A. M. K. (2011). The relationship between parental concerns and final diagnosis in children with developmental delay. Journal of Child Neurology, 26(4), 413–419.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2014). Children vulnerable in areas of early development: A determinant of child health. https://secure.cihi.ca/free_products/Children_Vulnerable_in_Areas_of_Early_Development_EN.pdf.

  • Council on Children with Disabilities, Section on Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, Bright Futures Steering Committee, & Medical Home Initiatives for Children with Special Needs Project Advisory Committee. (2006). Identifying infants and young children with developmental disorders in the medical home: An algorithm for developmental surveillance and screening. Pediatrics, 118(1), 405–420.

  • Coutu, M. F., Légaré, F., Durand, M. J., Corbière, M., Stacey, D., Bainbridge, L., & Labrecque, M. E. (2015). Operationalizing a shared decision making model for work rehabilitation programs: A consensus process. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 25(1), 141–152.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Demers, L., Ska, B., Desrosiers, J., Alix, C., & Wolfson, C. (2004). Development of a conceptual framework for the assessment of geriatric rehabilitation outcomes. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 38(3), 221–237.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Demirci, A., & Kartal, M. (2016). The prevalence of developmental delay among children aged 3-60 months in Izmir, Turkey. Child: Care, Health and Development, 42(2), 213–219.

    Google Scholar 

  • Déry, J., Ruiz, A., Routhier, F., Gagnon, M. P., Côté, A., Ait-Kadi, D., Bélanger, V., & Lamontagne, M. E. (2020). Identification of criteria for patient prioritization in two specialized rehabilitation programs: A consensus-seeking method. International Journal of Healthcare Systems Engineering, 2(1), 12–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Emerson, N. D., Morrell, H. E. R., & Neece, C. (2016). Predictors of age of diagnosis for children with autism spectrum disorder: The role of a consistent source of medical care, race, and condition severity. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(1), 127–138.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Evans, G. W. (2004). The environment of childhood poverty. American Psychologist, 59(2), 77–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gervais, M., & Pépin, G. (2002). Triage: A new group technique gaining recognition in evaluation. Evaluation Journal of Australasia, 2(2), 45–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glascoe, F. P. (2000). Evidence-based approach to developmental and behavioural surveillance using parents’ concerns. Child: Care, Health and Development, 26(2), 137–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffin, J., McKenna, K., & Tooth, L. (2003). Written health education materials: Making them more effective. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 50(3), 170–177.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hackworth, N. J., Matthews, J., Westrupp, E. M., Nguyen, C., Phan, T., Scicluna, A., Cann, W., Bethelsen, D., Bennetts, S. K., & Nicholson, J. M. (2018). What influences parental engagement in early intervention? Parent, program and community predictors of enrolment, retention and involvement. Prevention Science, 19(7), 880–893.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann, T., & Worrall, L. (2004). Designing effective written health education materials: Considerations for health professionals. Disability and Rehabilitation, 26(19), 1166–1173.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hsieh, R. L., Lin, M. I., Huang, H. Y., & Lee, W. C. (2014). Correlations between functional performance, health-related quality of life, and parental impact on children with developmental delays. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 17(3), 176–183.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hsin, A. (2009). Parent’s time with children: Does time matter for children’s cognitive achievement? Social Indicators Research, 93(1), 123–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kayrouz, N., Milne, S. L., & McDonald, J. L. (2017). Social disadvantage and developmental diagnosis in pre-schoolers. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 53(6), 563–568.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kershaw, P., Warburton, B., Anderson, L., Hertzman, C., Irwin, L. G., & Forer, B. (2010). The economic costs of early vulnerability in Canada. Canadian Journal of Public Health / Revue Canadienne de Sante’e Publique, 101(Suppl 3), S8–S13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lally, J. R., Lerner, C., & Lurie-Hurvitz, E. (2001). Features – public policy report. National survey reveals gaps in the public’s and parents’ knowledge about early childhood development. Young Children, 56(2), 49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamontagne, M. E., Routhier, F., & Auger, C. (2013). Team consensus concerning important outcomes for augmentative and alternative communication assistive technologies: A pilot study. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 29(2), 182–189.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lamontagne, M. E., & Tétreault, S. (2014). Méthode TRIAGE. In S. Tétreault & P. Guillez (Eds.), Guide pratique de recherche en réadaptation (pp. 355–366). Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium: De Boeck.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lang, T. (1999). Developing patient education handouts. http://tomlangcommunications.com/Expanded_Patient_Ed_Chapter.pdf.

  • Law, J., Rush, R., Schoon, I., & Parsons, S. (2009). Modeling developmental language difficulties from school entry into adulthood: Literacy, mental health, and employment outcomes. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 52(6), 1401–1416.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Linver, M. R., Brooks-Gunn, J., & Kohen, D. E. (2002). Family processes as pathways from income to young children’s development. Developmental Psychology, 38(5), 719–734.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maggi, S., Irwin, L. J., Siddiqi, A., & Hertzman, C. (2010). The social determinants of early child development: An overview. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 46(11), 627–635.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Maxwell, G., Alves, I., & Granlund, M. (2012). Participation and environmental aspects in education and the ICF and the ICF-CY: Findings from a systematic literature review. Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 15(1), 63–78.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nasuuna, E., Santoro, G., Kremer, P., & de Silva, A. M. (2016). Examining the relationship between childhood health conditions and health service utilisation at school entry and subsequent academic performance in a large cohort of Australian children. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 52(7), 750–758.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Peacock-Chambers, E., Ivy, K., & Bair-Merritt, M. (2017). Primary care interventions for early childhood development: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 140(6), e20171661.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Porr, C., Drummond, J., & Richter, S. (2006). Health literacy as an empowerment tool for low-income mothers. Family & Community Health, 29(4), 328–335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Poulin, V., Jean, A., Lamontagne, M. È., Pellerin, M. A., Viau-Guay, A., & Ouellet, M. C. (2020). Identifying clinicians’ priorities for the implementation of best practices in cognitive rehabilitation post-acquired brain injury. Disability and Rehabilitation, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2020.1721574.

  • Pratte, G., Couture, M., Boisvert, M. E. ̀, Clapperton, I., Bergeron, J., Roy, M. A., Dion, E., & Camden, C. (2020). Participation in activities fostering children’s development and parental concerns about children’s development: Results from a population-health survey of children aged 0-5 years in Quebec, Canada. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(8), 2878 https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17082878.

    Article  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Restall, G., & Borton, B. (2010). Parents’ concerns about their children’s development at school entry. Child: Care, Health and Development, 36(2), 208–215.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, L., Bart, O., Ratzon, N. Z., & Jarus, T. (2013). Personal and environmental factors predict participation of children with and without mild developmental disabilities. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 22(5), 658–671.

    Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, H. K., Wallace, A. S., DeWalt, D. A., Schillinger, D., Arnold, C. L., Shilliday, B. B., Delgadillo, A., Bengal, N., & Davis, T. C. (2007). Facilitating behavior change with low-literacy patient education materials. American Journal of Health Behavior, 31(1), S69–S78.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Silow-Carroll, S., Alteras, T., & Stepnick, L. (2006). Patient-centered care for underserved populations: Definition and best practices. http://www.ihi.org/resources/Pages/Publications/PatientcenteredcareforunderservedpopulationsDefinitionandbestpractices.aspx.

  • Spagnola, M., & Fiese, B. H. (2007). Family routines and rituals: A context for development in the lives of young children. Infants & Young Children, 20(4), 284–299.

    Google Scholar 

  • Teuscher, D., Bukman, A. J., Meershoek, A., Renes, R. J., Feskens, E. J. M., & van Baak, M. A. (2015). Adapting an effective lifestyle intervention towards individuals with low socioeconomic status of different ethnic origins: The design of the MetSLIM study. BMC Public Health, 15(1), 125.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Underwood, K., & Frankel, E. B. (2012). The developmental systems approach to early intervention in Canada. Infants & Young Children, 25(4), 286–296.

    Google Scholar 

  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cutlure Organization. (2006). Strong foundations: Early childhood care and education. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000147794.

  • Warfield, M. E., & Gulley, S. (2006). Unmet need and problems accessing specialty medical and related services among children with special health care needs. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 10(2), 201–216.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization. (2007). Early child development: A powerful equalizer. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization. (2017). Who strategic communications framework for effective communications. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yancey, A. K., Ortega, A. N., & Kumanyika, S. K. (2006). Effective recruitment and retention of minority research participants. Annual Review of Public Health, 27(1), 1–28.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Funding

This project was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Fonds du Département de réadaptation de l’Université Laval, the Institut universitaire en déficience intellectuelle et en trouble du spectre de l’autisme, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CIRRIS).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Social and Preventive Medicine Department, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Medecine, Quebec, QC, G1VOA6, Canada

    Béatrice Ouellet

  2. Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation and Social Integration (CIRRIS), 2975, Chemin St-Louis, Quebec, QC, G1W1P7, Canada

    Béatrice Ouellet, Marie Grandisson & Emmanuelle Careau

  3. Rehabilitation Department, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Medecine, Quebec, QC, G1VOA6, Canada

    Marie Grandisson & Emmanuelle Careau

  4. VITAM – Centre de Recherche en Santé Durable, 2525, Chemin de la Canardière, Quebec, QC, G1J0A4, Canada

    Emmanuelle Careau

Authors
  1. Béatrice Ouellet
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Marie Grandisson
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Emmanuelle Careau
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

All authors Contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection, and analysis were performed by B.O., E.C., and M.G. The first draft of the manuscript was written by B.O. and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Emmanuelle Careau.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Ethical Approval

This study was performed in line with the principles of the declaration of Helsinki. Ethics approval was given by the Comité d’éthique de la recherche avec des êtres humains de l’Université Laval (#2019-006).

Consent to Participate

Freely given, informed consent to participate in the study was obtained from all participants. More specifically, all participants signed a consent form describing the intended contribution and specifying the potential positive and negative consequences of their participation. They were free to end their participation in the study at any time.

Additional information

Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ouellet, B., Grandisson, M. & Careau, E. Parent-Professional Codevelopment of a Tool to Stimulate Children’s Development at Home: The TRIAGE Method. J Child Fam Stud 31, 321–334 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02030-1

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-021-02030-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation