Consumer and health professional perceptions of Watch Me Grow - Electronic (WMG-E) platform for developmental surveillance in early childhood: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Watch Me Grow - Electronic (WMG-E) platform is an online resource to enhance the capacity of general practitioners (GPs) to involve parents in developmental surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and perceived utility of WMG-E. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs/paediatricians (n = 6) and parents (n = 6). Focus groups were conducted with child and family health nurses (n = 25). Transcripts were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Participants indicated that WMG-E could empower clinicians and parents by enhancing health literacy about child developmental issues, but that it could also be disempowering if not used carefully. Clinicians mentioned being strategic at health service and public policy levels. A final theme was that of the need to balance widespread promotion with its targeted use. DISCUSSION: This study established the face validity of WMG-E, and reveals key lessons to inform the ways in which it is promoted and used.