At TinyEYE, we are committed to leveraging the latest research to improve outcomes for children through our online therapy services. Today, we delve into a critical study titled "A mixed-methods evaluation of organization and individual factors influencing provider intentions to use caregiver coaching in community-based early intervention." This research offers valuable insights into the factors that can enhance the implementation of caregiver coaching, an evidence-based practice crucial for early intervention (EI) for young autistic children.
Caregiver coaching involves partnering with caregivers to make treatment decisions, practicing strategies in real-life daily routines, modeling strategies, providing feedback, and supporting caregivers in reflecting and problem-solving. Despite its proven effectiveness, caregiver coaching is often underutilized in community-based EI settings. This blog highlights key findings from the study and provides practical tips for practitioners to improve their skills in implementing caregiver coaching.
Key Findings
The study surveyed 264 EI providers and conducted qualitative interviews with 36 providers to understand the factors influencing their intentions to use caregiver coaching. The findings highlight the importance of both individual and organizational factors in shaping these intentions.
1. Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy, or the belief in one's ability to execute a behavior, was found to be a significant predictor of intentions to implement certain components of caregiver coaching. Providers with higher self-efficacy were more likely to engage in collaboration and work within daily routines.
2. Attitudes
Providers' attitudes towards caregiver coaching significantly influenced their intentions to use it. Positive attitudes were associated with stronger intentions to implement all components of caregiver coaching.
3. Descriptive and Injunctive Norms
Descriptive norms (perceptions of what others do) and injunctive norms (perceptions of what important others think one should do) were also important. Providers who believed that their peers and supervisors supported caregiver coaching were more likely to intend to use it.
4. Organizational Factors
Organizational climate and leadership were found to influence injunctive norms. Agencies with strong leadership support and a positive implementation climate had providers with stronger intentions to use caregiver coaching.
Practical Tips for Practitioners
Based on these findings, here are some practical tips for practitioners looking to improve their caregiver coaching skills:
- Build Self-Efficacy: Engage in training and professional development opportunities that enhance your confidence in using caregiver coaching strategies.
- Foster Positive Attitudes: Reflect on the benefits of caregiver coaching and seek out success stories from colleagues to bolster your positive outlook.
- Leverage Norms: Create a supportive network with peers and supervisors who value caregiver coaching. Share experiences and strategies to build a culture of coaching within your organization.
- Seek Organizational Support: Advocate for leadership to prioritize caregiver coaching through policies, training, and resources that reinforce its importance.
By focusing on these areas, practitioners can enhance their ability to implement caregiver coaching effectively, leading to better outcomes for children and their families.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A mixed-methods evaluation of organization and individual factors influencing provider intentions to use caregiver coaching in community-based early intervention.
