As a practitioner in the field of speech-language pathology, it is essential to continuously improve skills and stay updated with the latest research to create better outcomes for children. One recent study, "Establishing therapeutic and supportive relationships throughout delivery of a school-based group parenting program via telehealth: Exploring causal pathways," provides valuable insights into how telehealth can be used effectively to deliver mental health interventions in schools.
Key Findings from the Research
The study explored the acceptability of a school-based targeted parenting group program delivered via telehealth. The research focused on understanding the experiences of parents, clinicians, and school staff involved in the program. Here are some key findings:
- Telehealth facilitated cohesion among caregivers by establishing channels of communication between caregivers and teachers, and connection between caregivers and clinicians despite geographic distance.
- Several adaptations were made to strengthen the therapeutic alliance between caregivers and clinicians, which were crucial to the program's success.
- The flexibility in the implementation of the program allowed clinicians to adjust their approach and materials to better suit the telehealth modality.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Based on these findings, here are some practical applications that practitioners can implement to enhance their telehealth services:
1. Foster Cohesion Among Caregivers
Encourage open communication and create a supportive environment where caregivers feel comfortable sharing their experiences. This can be achieved by:
- Using group therapy formats to connect caregivers with similar challenges.
- Creating opportunities for informal interactions, such as virtual coffee breaks, to build rapport.
2. Strengthen Therapeutic Alliances
Building strong therapeutic relationships is essential for the success of telehealth interventions. Consider the following strategies:
- Introduce a hybrid model where initial in-person meetings are followed by telehealth sessions to establish early rapport.
- Use interactive tools and materials, such as emotion regulation packs, to enhance connection and learning.
3. Enhance Communication Channels
Effective communication between caregivers, teachers, and clinicians is crucial. To improve communication:
- Involve teachers in the program to create a support network for the child and caregivers.
- Establish formal feedback loops with local school staff to gain insights into family dynamics and tailor interventions accordingly.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the long-term effectiveness and scalability of telehealth interventions in different settings. Practitioners are encouraged to participate in or conduct research to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this field.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Establishing therapeutic and supportive relationships throughout delivery of a school-based group parenting program via telehealth: Exploring causal pathways.
