[Opportunities, barriers and optimization needs of the examination of children in the 4th year of life in Saxony: a qualitative survey of physicians, day care professionals and parents].

Abstract

The Kita examination in Saxony, conducted in the fourth year of life, is a medical service offered by the pediatric and adolescent medical service in Saxony (KJÄD). The objective of this examination is to identify early support needs in children before they start school and to initiate appropriate measures. The objective of this study is to analyze the Kita examination in Saxony with regard to the current personnel, structural, and technical framework conditions from the perspective of the physicians of the KJÄD, daycare professionals, and parents.This study uses a qualitative design. A total of n=13 telephone interviews were conducted: n=5 with physicians, n=4 with parents, and n=4 with daycare professionals. The interviews were based on semi-structured guidelines and were recorded as audio files. The recordings were then fully transcribed and analyzed using Mayring's qualitative content analysis method and MAXQDA software.The findings indicated that, in the view of all participants, the Kita examination plays a pivotal role in the early identification of support needs for school. One perceived advantage of the examination process was that it occured in a familiar environment. The presence of daycare professionals during the examination was perceived as a positive aspect. The dissemination of information via analog or digital media could be enhanced to facilitate greater accessibility for underserved families and encourage their participation in the Kita examination.The Kita examination plays a pivotal role in early intervention, offering a valuable, readily accessible supplement to the standard 'U' examinations conducted in pediatricians' practices.