Parental Preference and Ability to Participate in Web-Based Developmental Screening and Surveillance

Abstract

Objectives. The objectives of this article were (a) to describe prevalence of Internet and email access among parents of preterm infants attending high-risk follow-up, (b) to describe parent preference for completing developmental questionnaires online versus on paper, and (c) to examine predictors of access and preference. Design/Methods. We surveyed 270 parents of preterm infants attending a high-risk follow-up clinic about Internet and email access, preference for completing a developmental questionnaire online versus on paper. Results. Median (interquartile range) gestational age was 28 (26, 30) weeks, and birth weight was 970 (765, 1230) grams. Ninety-five percent of parents had Internet and email access, and 71% preferred completing a developmental questionnaire online versus on paper or were indifferent. Less maternal education, lower family income, and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with less Internet and email access. Conclusions. Most families attending a high-risk preterm infant follow-up clinic had Internet and email access and preferred completing developmental questionnaires online to on paper or were indifferent.