Screening for sensory defects in infants: the application of recommendations by GPs in the Maine-et-Loire region

Early detection of sight problems and hearing difficulties in babies facilitates better management of treatment by doctors who take care of them. This role is mainly played by general practitioners who conduct obligatory post-natal examinations at 9 and 24 months. A survey was carried out via questionnaire sent to all of the general practitioners from a French department in order to discover more about their daily clinical practice regarding the detection of sensory defects. Twenty nine per cent (n = 321) of them answered the survey. We observe that the clinical examination is not systematic, and that it is mainly carried out when babies are 4, 9 and 24 months old or upon the parents' request. Although clinical symptoms are for the most part well-known by general practitioners, signs of risk factors which might be present are not thoroughly examined. The clinical examination remains general with a broad overview by checking of the main visual reflexes, but with only a superficial examination of the strabismus and amblyopia. The hearing examination is mainly carried out with the use of voice or hand clapping, although two thirds of them have tools for gauging at their disposal. The minimum age required for treating eye trouble and hearing difficulties is not well known by practitioners and the ignorance of that fact can delay the implementation of a good care plan. The new health and medical record system should enable practitioners to more accurately detect sensory disorders in babies. Better dissemination of information and treatment option recommendations is needed.