Assessment of knowledge about the psychomotor development of children aged 0 to 2 years among parents who consult healthcare facilities in the île-de-france region
Cecilia SALDANHA GOMES
Psychomotor development is a dynamic process, with significant interindividual variability. Neurodevelopmental disorders must be identified early during child follow-up consultations. Parents' knowledge of young children's psychomotor development is essential to make them aware partners. Several international studies report that parents' knowledge of psychomotor development is poor, but to our knowledge, no study has been conducted in the Île-de-France region.The main objective of our study is to assess the knowledge of parents in Île-de-France on the psychomotor development of children aged 0 to 2 years.This is a multicenter study conducted using a self-administered questionnaire completed by parents of children aged 0 to 5 years. This questionnaire enabled us to obtain a knowledge score out of 15, based on 15 questions about child development from 0 to 2 years of age, in the four areas of development. This score was then dichotomized according to the median level of knowledge into two groups (good knowledge and poor knowledge). We then studied the association between parents' level of knowledge about the psychomotor development of children aged 0 to 2 years and their sociodemographic characteristics, using bivariate analyses followed by multivariate analyses using logistic regression and linear regression. The data were processed using Excel and R++, with a significance threshold set at 0.05.We included 466 parents with at least one child under the age of 5 who were consulting at 23 healthcare facilities in the Île-de-France region in our study. The average knowledge score for parents in our study was 5.7/15 points (+/- 2.1). We observed a significant positive association between knowledge level and being a mother, as well as having a higher education.The level of knowledge among parents about psychomotor development in young children in our study is low, which is consistent with the literature. Doctors must implement a proactive approach for all parents in general. At the same time, doctors must be very attentive to the child's neurodevelopment during follow-up consultations, as parents cannot be considered whistleblowers.Parents' knowledge of young children's psychomotor development is low, but public health policies that promote validated content could help improve this knowledge.
Seeking consent for clinical examination in children aged 2 to 6 years in general practice consultations
Alexia MESSON
In France, 160,000 children are victims of sexual abuse each year, often at a very young age. Prevention requires education on consent, which also applies to healthcare interactions. Neuroscience shows that children as young as two can understand and express a form of consent.The purpose of this study was to explore general practitioners’ practices and perceptions regarding consent for clinical examinations in children aged 2 to 6 years.Using a qualitative approach grounded in thematic analysis, we conducted semi-structured interviews with general practitioners in the Puy-de-Dôme region. Topics included current practices, definitions of consent, and parental involvement. Data were analyzed through open, axial, and integrative coding, coupled with investigator triangulation to develop an explanatory model, which is illustrated in a diagram.Physicians’ experiences strongly influenced their approach to consent. Barriers included limited awareness, uncertainty about procedures, discomfort when a child refused, and the inherent power imbalance between adults and children. Effective strategies involved building trust through parental reassurance, creating a supportive environment, fostering positive interactions, and respecting the child’s privacy and choices. Training and reflective practice emerged as key levers for improvement.The investigators’ limited experience in qualitative research may represent a limitation. This was mitigated through extensive literature review and specific training at the Clermont-Ferrand Faculty of Medicine. Social desirability bias, possible due to the sensitive topic, was minimized by the investigator’s lack of prior relationships with participants and by sufficiently long interviews encouraging openness. The confirmation bias was reduced by noting the investigators' preconceived notions before conducting the study and by performing an investigator triangulation. Reconsidering consent in clinical examinations of children is essential to strengthen ethical standards and protect children from harm. This requires clarifying the concept of consent for young children and integrating practical approaches into routine consultations.Multiple strategies exist to seek consent for clinical examinations in children aged 2 to 6 years, along with promising prospects for enhancing current practices.
Implementation of a Therapeutic Education Programme for Paediatric Feeding Disorders in Primary Care: a First Experience in Hauts-de- France
Isabelle CHARDONNET
Paediatric feeding disorders (PFD) are common but often under-recognised in primary care. Families frequently face long diagnostic delays and fragmented management. Therapeutic patient education (TPE) programmes exist in hospital settings but remain rare in community care.The pilot programme was launched in February 2025 within the Maison de Santé Universitaire Corneille (Hauts-de-France). It was developed by a primary care team in partnership with the regional CPTS, which will provide ongoing financial support to extend the initiative. This programme consists of five 2-hour workshops involving one child (aged 3–8) and at least one parent per session. Each group includes six children and fourteen parents, supervised by three health professionals—always including a speech therapist—trained in TPE and Nonviolent Communication. Sessions cover eating mechanisms, posture, nutrition, sensory exploration, and emotional regulation.The first cycle involved six children and their families. Early feedback indicates high engagement, improved parental confidence, and observed progress in children’s mealtime comfort. Twenty-four additional families are already registered and awaiting the next series of workshops planned for late 2025.The first TPE group for children aged 4–6 enabled a comprehensive reassessment of all workshops offered. A revised version of the programme will be delivered in March 2026 to children aged 6–8 and their parents. A psychologist will also be integrated into the project.This first TPE programme implemented in primary care demonstrates feasibility, strong acceptability, and interprofessional collaboration. It offers a promising model for community-based management of complex paediatric feeding issues.
Preventing screen exposure in children aged 3 to 6 : creation of a children's album
Emmanuelle MORIVAL
Early screen exposure in children raises major public health concerns. However, only 13.5% of parents follow the available recommendations. Moreover, activities such as reading, which are beneficial to a child’s development, are sometimes neglected in favor of screen time.To create a children’s book aimed at kids aged 3 to 6, with the goal of preventing inappropriate screen use. This book is designed to provide both children and their caregivers an interactive reading experience that encourages discussion about screens and their potentials risks.A multidisciplinary working group was formed to define and validate the written content. Each member answered four questions to help develop the book’s content. The design of the book was based on the principles of dialogic interactive reading and on Sabine Duflo's four-step method.The working group was composed of eleven members, including health professionals, early childhood specialists, communication experts, and parents. Seven of the eleven members met to review the manuscript and made the necessary modifications. The book features five anthropomorphic characters facing problematic situations involving screens, followed by a sixth character who provides recommendations. The proposed interactions were inspired by a questionnaire designed to identity inappropriate screen use. Two parenting guides are also included in the book.This prevention album was created for children and their family, and to promote reading.The book could serve as a resource during consultations, helping to meet parents' expectations by addressing the topic of screen use more regularly and comprehensively. A further study could evaluate the quality of the album to determine the interest in creating a collection book focused on prevention.Choosing the children's book as a means of prevention allowed it to serve as mediation tool between children and their surroundings. This project represents the first prevention book on screen use reviewed by a panel of experts and designed by a healthcare professional.
Parental Role in the Care Pathway of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study of Parental Representations
Mathilde MINET
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are common and exhibit highly heterogeneous profiles, making the support and care of affected children complex. Once heavily stigmatized, parents are now recognized as key stakeholders in the care pathway.Exploring Parents’ Perceptions of Their Role in the Care Pathway of their children with ASDA phenomenological qualitative study conducted with nine parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews using an interview guide (33 min - 144 min).Parents play a central role in their child’s care pathway. They contribute to the early identification of warning signs and describe the diagnostic process as lengthy and complex. Following diagnosis, they actively participate in their child’s care, implement strategies to promote development and autonomy, and collaborate closely with healthcare professionals. This involvement leads to the emergence of “parent-experts,” who share their knowledge with both their social network and care teams. In addition, parents advocate for their child’s rights and engage in efforts to promote a more inclusive society and school environment. While parents demonstrate strong engagement and adaptability, they also highlight significant unmet needs. These include support, care coordination, professional training, access to appropriate resources, and broader societal awareness. Addressing these gaps is essential to optimize care pathways and foster true inclusion for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Parents's involvement enhances early detection and supports developmental progress, yet significant gaps persist in coordination, resources, and professional training. Recognizing and leveraging parental expertise could improve care continuity and promote inclusive practices.This study highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting parental expertise to sustainably improve the care pathway and the quality of life of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
Practices of professionals in a care network regarding the inclusion of family members in managing childhood overweight and obesity
Laura KATZ and Frederic ZORZI
Obesity is a chronic disease with multifactorial determinants requiring a multidisciplinary approach addressing multiple aspects of the child’s and family’s life. Integrating family members is recognized as a key factor for effective care, as is the role of health professionals in facilitating this involvement. Pediatric obesity care networks have emerged in many countries, including France, where they support families. While some studies have explored families’ expectations within such networks, few have examined how professionals involve families in care, and none were found concerning this specific network.To explore how professionals working within a care network integrate a family-centered approach in the management of children and adolescents with overweight or obesity.A qualitative research design was used. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with professionals affiliated with the care network. Recruitment was carried out via an email invitation sent to all members, with inclusion based on voluntary response and availability for interview.Twenty interviews were conducted between March and November 2024 (9 physicians, 7 dietitians, 3 psychologists, and 1 nurse), with an average duration of 44 minutes. A wide range of approaches emerged, from child-centered to systemic models. This diversity appeared in how participants defined care objectives, organized consultations, involved family members, and collected verbal and nonverbal information. Participants expressed awareness of family-related barriers influencing care and reported adapting their communication, professional stance, and advice accordingly. Several demonstrated reflexivity and a willingness to further develop their practices. An unexpected finding was a strong expressed need for teamwork among participants.Strengths included the originality of the topic, multidisciplinary sample, and methodological rigor. Limitations concerned partial triangulation of data analysis and the author’s first qualitative research experience. Perspectives include promoting systemic training, collective care models, and interprofessional collaboration through local multidisciplinary teams.This study highlights the diversity of professional practices in pediatric obesity care and the essential role of family inclusion and teamwork to improve care quality and outcomes.
Knowledge of the HPV vaccine among boys aged 11-19 years their parents in Limousin
Clarisse CHAMBARD
