Investigation of test characteristics of two screening tools in comparison with a gold standard assessment to detect developmental delay at 36 months: A pilot study

Background: The ability of the Rourke Baby Record (Rourke) and the Nipissing District Developmental Screen (NDDS) to detect developmental delay is not known. Objective: To determine the test characteristics of the Rourke and NDDS compared with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III for detecting developmental delay in high-risk children. Methods: Three-year-olds were recruited from the IWK Health Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia). Two cut-points were evaluated (one and two or more areas of concern) from the Rourke and NDDS, and were compared with a score of ≤85 on the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III. Results: The majority (67.7%) of the 31 participants reported no concern. At one area of concern, sensitivity was 75% for both the Rourke and NDDS. When two areas of concern were noted, specificity was 93% for the Rourke and 96% for NDDS. Conclusions: Both the Rourke and the NDDS appear to be reasonably sensitive and specific, but further investigation is warranted.