Implementation of the online Language Use Inventory (LUI) for developmental surveillance of children’s early language development by family physicians.

In Canada. guidelines call for the identification of language impairment in children before 3 years of age to enable early intervention. A family doctor is often the first person with whom a family raises such a concern. The proposed research uses the Language Use Inventory (LUI), an empirically-validated standardized 20 minute questionnaire assessing 2- and 3-year-olds’ language development. A family doctor could have a concerned parent complete the LUI online at home. The doctor would receive the results and recommendations regarding further in-depth assessment and/or monitoring to discuss subsequently with the family. Via an implementation study, this research aims to identify the best workflow in a family practice to avoid barriers to, and facilitate, the use of the LUI and support its value to doctors and families. This research will broaden how the LUI is currently used by speech-language professionals and researchers to include developmental surveillance by family doctors.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jennifer Yessis

Student:

Partner:

Knowledge in Development Inc.

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: