In the rapidly evolving landscape of virtual healthcare, ensuring the active participation of pediatric caregivers in speech, language, and hearing services is crucial. The recent scoping review titled "Barriers and facilitators to paediatric caregivers participation in virtual speech, language, and hearing services: A scoping review" by DiFabio et al. (2023) provides valuable insights into the factors that influence caregiver participation in virtual care settings. This blog aims to distill these findings into actionable strategies for practitioners, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions and evidence-based practices.
Key Findings from the Research
The review identified eight main categories influencing caregiver participation: attitudes, child behavioral considerations, environment, opportunities, provider-family relationship, roles in the care process, support, and technology. Here are some critical insights and practical applications for each category:
1. Attitudes
Positive attitudes towards virtual care significantly facilitate caregiver participation. Practitioners should:
- Educate caregivers about the benefits of virtual care.
- Address any concerns or frustrations related to technology.
- Offer hybrid models to accommodate different preferences.
2. Child Behavioral Considerations
Behavioral challenges can act as barriers. Strategies to mitigate these include:
- Preparing the child for virtual sessions to reduce anxiety.
- Providing guidance to caregivers on managing behavioral issues during sessions.
3. Environment
The home environment can be both a facilitator and a barrier. To optimize this:
- Encourage a distraction-free setting for virtual sessions.
- Leverage the familiarity of the home to normalize the care process.
4. Opportunities
Convenience and reduced travel time are significant facilitators. Practitioners should:
- Offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate family routines.
- Highlight the cost savings and reduced travel needs associated with virtual care.
5. Provider-Family Relationship
Effective communication and rapport are essential. To enhance this:
- Ensure clear and consistent communication with caregivers.
- Build a collaborative relationship by involving caregivers in the decision-making process.
6. Roles in the Care Process
Caregiver roles can vary from passive attendance to active involvement. Practitioners should:
- Clearly define caregiver roles and expectations during virtual sessions.
- Provide training and support to help caregivers effectively participate.
7. Support
Training and support are critical for successful participation. Practitioners should:
- Offer training modules on using technology and participating in virtual care.
- Provide ongoing support to address any technical or procedural issues.
8. Technology
Technology can be a significant barrier if not properly managed. To address this:
- Ensure caregivers have access to necessary technology and reliable internet.
- Provide technical support and troubleshooting resources.
Encouraging Further Research
While the scoping review provides a comprehensive overview, there is a need for further research to explore the long-term impact of virtual care on pediatric outcomes and caregiver satisfaction. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by conducting and participating in research studies.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Barriers and facilitators to paediatric caregivers participation in virtual speech, language, and hearing services: A scoping review.
