Can we do better in identifying child developmental conditions early? Sensitivity and specificity of the Watch Me Grow Integrated (WMG-I) digital developmental screening and surveillance tool in Australia.
BMJ OpenSep 25, 2026 (epub)
Christa Lam-Cassettari, Kate Short, Pankaj Garg et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the 'Watch Me Grow Integrated' (WMG-I) digital developmental screening tool in 16-to-35-month-old children in Australia. The WMG-I group demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.9% compared to 75.9% in the routine assessment group, indicating superior performance in identifying developmental concerns.
Key findings
- WMG-I showed 93.9% sensitivity compared to 75.9% in service as usual (p=0.035).
- Specificity for WMG-I was 71.4% versus 66.7% for service as usual (p=0.743).
- 151 children received reference standard assessments out of 655 participants.
Why it matters
Improving the identification of developmental conditions in early childhood is crucial for timely intervention. Enhanced screening tools like WMG-I can facilitate better engagement in developmental surveillance programs, potentially leading to improved outcomes for children.