ABSTRACT:
Background: Developmental delay is a significant public health concern affecting multiple domains of child development, including motor, cognitive, language, and social functioning. Early identification is essential to initiate timely interventions and improve long-term outcomes. Objective: To review the role of nurses in the early identification, screening, and management of developmental delays among children. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and reports from the World Health Organization and UNICEF. Relevant literature published between 2015 and 2025 was included using predefined keywords related to developmental delay and pediatric nursing. Results: Nurses play a critical role in developmental surveillance, use of standardized screening tools, parental education, and early referral. Tools such as DDST, TDSC, ASQ, and M-CHAT are widely used for early detection. Conclusion: Strengthening nursing competencies and integrating developmental screening into routine healthcare services can significantly enhance early identification and improve child health outcomes.
Cite this article:
Bhavesh Verma. Early Identification of Developmental Delay in Primary Care: A Nurse-Led Approach with Screening Models. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;16(3):184-8. doi: 10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00037
Cite(Electronic):
Bhavesh Verma. Early Identification of Developmental Delay in Primary Care: A Nurse-Led Approach with Screening Models. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;16(3):184-8. doi: 10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00037 Available on: https://www.ajner.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-16-3-7
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