Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Feasibility of Online Survey for Postshunt Hydrocephalus Follow-Up

Abstract

Abstract Objective  Children with hydrocephalus need regular monitoring following shunt surgery. A parent-completed assessment tool was used successfully in follow-up of postshunt hydrocephalus children in the recent pandemic. Methods  The Ages & and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) was sent via WhatsApp to parents of 40 postventriculoperitoneal (post-VP) shunt hydrocephalus children (7–57 months). Assessment was done by the parents/guardians in five domains over a period of 3 months. The completed questionnaires were analyzed and children with below the cutoff scores were called to the hospital for further evaluations and intervention if necessary. Result  Questionnaires of 25 children were found completed and analyzed. There were 16 males and 18 children had aqueductal stenosis and 11 had meningomyelocele. Eighteen children with failed/borderline (11/7) ASQ scores were called for further evaluation and in all but one the scores obtained by the parents and clinical psychologists were found comparable. Two children needed hospital admissions for shunt revision and adjustment of anticonvulsant medicines. Conclusion  The ASQ could be a useful tool, as parents can conduct the test at home and attend clinics in case of failed or borderline scores for further developmental assessment and/or intervention. This can be used as a routine monitoring tool in other clinical situations as well.