Abstract
This study used a survey approach to investigate current developmental surveillance and developmental screening practices by pediatric primary care providers in a diverse New Jersey county. A total of 217 providers were contacted with a final sample size of 57 pediatric primary care respondents from 13 different municipalities. Most providers (73.7%) began developmental surveillance at the first non-hospital health supervision visit, usually at ages three to five days of life. About half (51.8%) of responding providers did surveillance and/or screening at all health encounters, while the remaining providers (48.2%) did surveillance and/or screening at only well child visits. The majority (63.6%) of providers report using a formal tool for developmental screening. There was variation in the particular developmental tool used for screening which included the use of both standardized formal and non-standardized, informal tools. Disparities in practice were associated with the patient’s type of insurance, age at surveillance and/or screening initiation, and the time frame of surveillance and screening. Implications for early intervention practice are discussed.