What does "screening accuracy" refer to in the context of developmental screening?

"Screening accuracy" specifically refers to the ability of a screening tool to correctly identify children who may need further evaluation for developmental issues. In the context of developmental screening, it is crucial for tools to not only detect those children who are at risk for delays or disorders but also to avoid false positives, where children are incorrectly identified as needing evaluation when they do not.

This precision is vital because accurate screenings help ensure that appropriate interventions can be implemented for those who genuinely require them, while also preventing unnecessary stress or further assessments for children who are developing typically. The effectiveness of a screening tool is measured by its sensitivity (the ability to identify true positives) and specificity (the ability to identify true negatives).

Other options address different aspects of developmental screening but do not define "screening accuracy." For instance, the frequency of screenings relates to how often assessments are conducted, the timing of starting screenings is about scheduling, and parental involvement pertains to the engagement of families in the process. None of these capture the essence of what screening accuracy means in evaluating the performance of a developmental screening tool.