Development of a Collaborative Tool to Facilitate Interprofessional Communication for Developmental Monitoring of Preschoolers in a Community Context

Effective collaboration between healthcare providers and educators is crucial for supporting preschoolers. This study aimed to develop a collaborative tool from a web-based platform to enhance communication and service delivery within a community setting in Thailand, thus aligning with the principles of interdisciplinary practice in early childhood development. A two-phase method, comprising a qualitative research and development approach, was employed to develop the collaborative tool. Phase I assessed the current situation of collaboration through in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and educators at a primary healthcare hospital and a municipal child development center. Phase II focused on collaborative tool development through the findings of Phase I. Two themes emerged regarding recent situations on collaboration, including challenges in early childhood developmental screening and shared expertise and decisions. Consequently, the collaborative tool has a web-based platform consisting of three parts: the preschooler's personal information, results of developmental screening using the Developmental Surveillance and Promotion Manual (DSPM), and occupational development guidance. After an 8-week utilization period, the participants of this study revealed that all elements of the tool were presented in an effective display format. They perceived the web-based platform as a tool that works with occupational therapists in monitoring child development within their community, particularly in providing occupational development guidance for clients. This collaborative tool offers a means for potentially enhancing communication and optimizing service delivery among healthcare providers and educators within a community setting.