Implementing training strategies for primary health care teams to improve child development surveillance: a pilot study
1
School of Public Health, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
2
Ministry of Health, Brasilia/Federal District, Brazil
3
Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brazil
4
Psychology Institute, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
5
Insper, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
6
Department of Economics, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
7
Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
This study examined a training program designed to increase primary healthcare professionals’ awareness and strengthen the use of the Child Health Booklet (CHB) for child development (CD) surveillance. The intervention was evaluated in terms of effects, feasibility, and acceptability.
METHODS:
A pre–post design was applied among professionals from all primary care units in a small municipality in São Paulo state, Brazil. In parallel, caregivers of children aged 0–3 years were interviewed and CHBs were audited before (G1, n = 225) and after (G2, n = 219) the intervention. Focus groups with a subset of professionals explored implementation barriers and facilitators using the RE-AIM framework1.
RESULTS:
Of the 77 eligible professionals, 92.8% accessed the online module and 30.1% completed it. Thirty-seven participated in in-person training, with attendance rates above 78%, demonstrating good feasibility and engagement. After the intervention, caregivers in G2 more frequently reported that professionals inquired about CD (53.2% vs. 39.1%) and provided related guidance (79.4% vs. 62.9%). Advice to read the CHB (60.8% vs. 41.5%) and explanations about its content (28.8% vs. 15.6%) also increased. Adjusted analyses showed the likelihood of caregivers being asked and receiving information about CD increased by 1.37 (95% CI: 1.12-1.69) and 1.27 times (95% CI: 1.12-1.43), respectively. Professionals were 46% more likely to advise CHB reading (95% CI: 1.15–1.86) and 88% more likely to provide content guidance (95% CI: 1.17–3.04). Audits revealed a 4.65-fold increase (95% CI: 1.62-13.2) in complete documentation of developmental milestones. Focus groups indicated improved motivation to use the CHB, recognizing its role in family guidance and care quality. In addition, suggestions for improving training and barriers to implementation emerged.
CONCLUSIONS:
The training strategy was feasible, well accepted, and associated with meaningful improvements in CD surveillance practices in primary healthcare settings.
This study examined a training program designed to increase primary healthcare professionals’ awareness and strengthen the use of the Child Health Booklet (CHB) for child development (CD) surveillance. The intervention was evaluated in terms of effects, feasibility, and acceptability.
METHODS:
A pre–post design was applied among professionals from all primary care units in a small municipality in São Paulo state, Brazil. In parallel, caregivers of children aged 0–3 years were interviewed and CHBs were audited before (G1, n = 225) and after (G2, n = 219) the intervention. Focus groups with a subset of professionals explored implementation barriers and facilitators using the RE-AIM framework1.
RESULTS:
Of the 77 eligible professionals, 92.8% accessed the online module and 30.1% completed it. Thirty-seven participated in in-person training, with attendance rates above 78%, demonstrating good feasibility and engagement. After the intervention, caregivers in G2 more frequently reported that professionals inquired about CD (53.2% vs. 39.1%) and provided related guidance (79.4% vs. 62.9%). Advice to read the CHB (60.8% vs. 41.5%) and explanations about its content (28.8% vs. 15.6%) also increased. Adjusted analyses showed the likelihood of caregivers being asked and receiving information about CD increased by 1.37 (95% CI: 1.12-1.69) and 1.27 times (95% CI: 1.12-1.43), respectively. Professionals were 46% more likely to advise CHB reading (95% CI: 1.15–1.86) and 88% more likely to provide content guidance (95% CI: 1.17–3.04). Audits revealed a 4.65-fold increase (95% CI: 1.62-13.2) in complete documentation of developmental milestones. Focus groups indicated improved motivation to use the CHB, recognizing its role in family guidance and care quality. In addition, suggestions for improving training and barriers to implementation emerged.
CONCLUSIONS:
The training strategy was feasible, well accepted, and associated with meaningful improvements in CD surveillance practices in primary healthcare settings.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
