As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology, we constantly seek ways to improve outcomes for children, especially those with unique needs. The research article titled "Measuring Costs and Outcomes of Tele-Intervention When Serving Families of Children who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing" provides valuable insights that can help us enhance our practices. Let's dive into the key findings and how we can implement them in our work.
Why Tele-Intervention?
Tele-intervention (TI) leverages telehealth technology to deliver early intervention services to families of children who are deaf/hard-of-hearing (DHH). This approach has shown promising results, particularly in the following areas:
- Expressive Language Skills: Children receiving TI services scored significantly higher on expressive language measures compared to those receiving traditional in-person visits.
- Parent Engagement: TI sessions led to higher parent engagement during home visits, as measured by the Home Visit Rating Scales-Adapted & Extended (HOVRS-A+).
- Cost-Effectiveness: TI becomes more cost-effective as the intensity of service delivery increases, making it a financially viable option for early intervention programs.
Implementing Tele-Intervention in Your Practice
Based on the research findings, here are some actionable steps to integrate TI into your practice:
- Training and Preparation: Ensure that both providers and families are adequately trained in using TI technology. Address any connectivity issues upfront to avoid disruptions.
- Focus on Parent Engagement: Use TI sessions to coach parents, facilitating parent-child interactions rather than focusing solely on child-provider interactions.
- Monitor and Evaluate: Continuously assess the quality of your TI sessions using standardized measures like HOVRS-A+ to ensure high-quality service delivery.
Encouraging Further Research
While the current study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base for TI. Consider participating in or conducting studies that focus on:
- The long-term effects of TI on child development.
- The optimal training and skill set required for effective TI implementation.
- Comparative studies involving larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods.
By embracing tele-intervention and contributing to ongoing research, we can ensure that all children who are DHH have access to high-quality, specialized early intervention services, regardless of their geographic location.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Measuring Costs and Outcomes of Tele-Intervention When Serving Families of Children who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing.
