In the realm of early intervention (EI) services, telehealth has emerged as a pivotal mode of service delivery, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research article, "A Qualitative Study Exploring Parental Perceptions of Telehealth in Early Intervention," delves into the nuanced experiences of parents whose children receive EI services via telehealth. The findings from this study provide invaluable insights for practitioners aiming to improve their telehealth services.
Key Findings from the Study
Advantages of Telehealth in EI Services
- Safety and Convenience: Telehealth allows families to receive services from the safety of their homes, a crucial factor during the pandemic.
- Reduced Waiting Times: Telehealth has the potential to eliminate long waiting lists for EI services, ensuring timely intervention.
- Flexibility: Telehealth offers flexible scheduling and the ability to receive services from various locations, enhancing accessibility.
Challenges of Telehealth
- Limited Interaction: Some parents felt that telehealth precluded substantive interactions between therapists and children.
- Technological Barriers: Limited access to stable internet and digital devices posed significant challenges for some families.
Family-Professional Partnerships
Despite the challenges, most parents reported positive partnerships with their EI providers during telehealth sessions. These partnerships were characterized by effective communication, support, and flexibility.
Importance of Coaching
Coaching emerged as a critical component of telehealth sessions. Parents valued the guidance provided by therapists, which enabled them to embed therapeutic strategies into daily activities. However, some parents reported needing more structured and individualized coaching.
Practical Recommendations for Practitioners
Enhance Technological Support
- Provide families with access to stable internet and necessary digital devices.
- Offer training sessions to improve digital literacy and navigate telehealth platforms effectively.
Focus on Coaching
- Emphasize coaching over direct intervention to empower parents and build their capacity to support their child's development.
- Consider using "bagless therapy," which utilizes household items for therapeutic activities, reducing the need for families to purchase additional materials.
Initial In-Person Visits
An initial in-person visit can help establish rapport between families and providers, facilitating smoother telehealth sessions thereafter.
Future Directions
Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of telehealth on EI services and to identify effective coaching strategies that can be implemented remotely. Additionally, observational studies comparing in-person and telehealth sessions could provide deeper insights into optimizing service delivery.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A Qualitative Study Exploring Parental Perceptions of Telehealth in Early Intervention.
