Telepractice has revolutionized the way early intervention (EI) services are delivered, offering a feasible alternative for families who lack access to high-quality in-person services. However, engaging families in this virtual environment requires specific strategies and behaviors. A recent study titled Identifying critical behaviours for building engagement in telepractice early intervention: An international e?Delphi study provides valuable insights into these critical behaviors.
Conducted by Retamal-Walter et al., the study identified 64 key behaviors that are essential for building engagement in telepractice EI. These behaviors span across three main aspects of telepractice interaction: getting to know each other, family-centered telepractice, and telepractice-specific considerations. Here's how you can implement these findings to improve your telepractice skills:
1. Getting to Know Each Other
- Build Rapport: Initiate small talk and demonstrate empathy to make the family feel comfortable.
- Understand Previous Experience: Ask about the family's prior experience with technology to tailor your approach accordingly.
2. Family-Centered Telepractice
- Set Clear Expectations and Goals: Discuss session goals and the roles of each participant both inside and outside the session.
- Provide Family-Tailored Services: Show consideration for the child's and family's identity, interests, and additional needs.
- Encourage Active Participation: Engage the family in activities and solicit their input and feedback.
- Give Constructive Feedback: Provide continuous feedback to the family and listen to their concerns and suggestions.
- Plan for Carry-Over: Prepare the family to continue intervention activities at home by providing clear strategies and next steps.
3. Telepractice-Specific Considerations
- Effective Communication: Use a natural communication style, visual demonstrations, and resources from the family's home.
- Handle Technology Breakdowns: Have a support person ready to troubleshoot any technical issues that arise during the session.
By deliberately displaying these behaviors, you can enhance family engagement, which is crucial for achieving positive outcomes in EI. These strategies are particularly important in the context of telepractice, where the physical distance can make it challenging to establish a strong therapeutic relationship.
As professionals, it is our responsibility to lead the interaction and ensure that families feel empowered and actively involved in their child's intervention. This study offers an evidence-based resource to guide your practice and improve family engagement in telepractice EI.
For more detailed insights and to read the original research paper, please follow this link: Identifying critical behaviours for building engagement in telepractice early intervention: An international e?Delphi study.
