EHR dashboard increased returned developmental screening
An electronic health record monitoring dashboard was linked to higher questionnaire return and faster screening completion for young children referred for developmental and autism screening.
*Retrospective cohort with before-after comparison; Level 2b (OCEBM).

Citation

Davignon MN, Nugent JR, Campbell CI, Mertens JR. Electronic Health Record Monitoring Dashboard and Developmental Screening in Pediatric Patients. JAMA Network Open. 2026;9(5):e2610380. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.10380

Background

Early identification of developmental delay and autism improves outcomes, but screening completion is often low and uneven across patient groups. This study examined factors linked to screening follow-through and whether an electronic tracking tool improved it.

Patients

16,038 children (17,303 referrals), ages 6 to 66 months, referred to a secondary screening program in a large integrated health system; excluded canceled orders, nonmembers, inconclusive demographics, and non-distinct repeat referrals.

Intervention

Electronic health record–embedded monitoring dashboard for tracking outreach and workflow steps.

Control

Usual process before dashboard (manual tracking).

Outcome

Questionnaire return within 45 days; days to return (within 45 days); days to case completion (within 120 days).

Follow-up Period

Up to 45 days (return); up to 120 days (case completion).

Results

Comparison Outcome Significant finding
After vs before dashboard Return within 45 days (primary) 54.7% vs 41.2%; adjusted relative risk 1.34 (95% CI, 1.29 to 1.38); number needed to treat 8
After vs before dashboard Days to questionnaire return 6.62 days faster on average (95% CI, 6.07 to 7.18)
After vs before dashboard Days to case completion 37.07 days faster on average (95% CI, 35.67 to 38.47)
Active online portal account vs not active Return within 45 days Adjusted relative risk 1.99 (95% CI, 1.75 to 2.26)

Limitations

Observational design limits causal certainty; staffing and time trends may contribute despite sensitivity checks. Single health system may not generalize. Key family factors (education, household structure) were not available, and child health outcomes after screening were not measured.

Funding

The Permanente Medical Group’s Delivery Science and Applied Research Program.

Clinical Application

Consider adding electronic tracking plus outreach to boost timely developmental screening, especially where return rates are low and delays are common.