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Background

Numerous studies have shown that Part C EI yields positive effects on children’s development across domains (e.g., Elbaum & Celimli-Aksoy, 2022; Litt et al., 2018; Richardson et al., 2020).
Traditionally, EI services have been delivered in person.
To promote equity and address the disparity gap in EI, the use of telehealth in EI began emerging decades ago (e.g., Behl et al., 2017; Cason, 2009; Cole et al., 2019; Wakeford et al., 2005).

The effectiveness of using telehealth to support positive outcomes for children with developmental delays and their families has been supported in previous literature (e.g., Harbin et al., 2023; Rogers et al., 2022; Rooks-Ellis et al., 2020).

Numerous studies have shown that Part C EI yields positive effects on children’s development across domains (e.g., Elbaum & Celimli-Aksoy, 2022; Litt et al., 2018; Richardson et al., 2020).

Traditionally, EI services have been delivered in person.

However, this format of service delivery may pose multiple barriers to families from marginalized backgrounds needing EI services.

To promote equity and address the disparity gap in EI, the use of telehealth in EI began emerging decades ago, long before the global outbreak of Covid-19 in late 2019 (e.g., Behl et al., 2017; Cason, 2009; Cole et al., 2019; Wakeford et al., 2005).

The effectiveness of using telehealth to support positive outcomes for children with developmental delays and their families has been supported in previous literature (e.g., Harbin et al., 2023; Rogers et al., 2022; Rooks-Ellis et al., 2020).

By gaining a deeper understanding of the experiences of stakeholders who are actively involved in the telehealth EI process, we anticipate gaining insight that will broaden our current knowledge base and contribute to future practice, research, and policy development.

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The Research Question

What do common perceptions and experiences across study suggest about using telehealth in EI?
What is the demographic composition of the participants in the included studies?

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Design

Search terms:

Level 1- early intervention
Level 2 - telehealth OR telemedicine OR telemonitoring OR telepractice OR telenursing OR telecare OR tele-intervention OR telerehabilitation
Level 3 - perspectives OR views OR perceptions OR attitudes OR opinion OR experience

Data Bases: ERIC, Academic Search Complete, PsychInfo

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Design

Screening Criteria

Did not limit the year of publication
Peer reviewed journal
No dissertation
US only
Participants: 0-3 year children and their families
Early intervention services only and related services (PT, OT, SLP, ABA…) -> no physician/pediatrician service

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Article search finding

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Quality Coding�

Mixed methods quality appraisal

Leko et al., (2023)

Qualitative methods quality coding

Banks, J., González, T., Mueller, C., Pacheco, M., Scott, L. A., & Trainor, A. A. (2023). Reflexive Quality Criteria: Questions and Indicators for Purpose-Driven Special Education Qualitative Research. Exceptional Children, 89(4), 449-466. https://doi.org/10.1177/00144029231168106

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Thematic Analysis

	Mixed-methods research	Survey (Quantitative research)	Qualitative research
Quality Coding Items	Meaningful and Purposeful Integration	Survey development	Participants were purposefully recruited/inclusion criteria were provided
	Component Designs in Synergistic Ways	Sampling frame	Interview/focus group questions were worded appropriately
	Strong Component Designs	Sampling process	Reliable tools were used to collect data
	Legitimation	Administration	Participants were presented respectfully in the article
		Response rate	Confidentiality measures were reported
		Source of non-response	Credibility was established
		Sampling weights
		Discuss limitations

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Current work progress

Thematic Analysis

One professor and two doctoral students did thematic coding for sample articles and generated themes

Writing manuscript

Benefits of Telehealth		Challenges of Telehealth				Needs and Hopes
Practice	Accessiblity	Interactions with Caregivers/ families (EI providers interacts with families)	Technology Use	Interaction between families and Children	Accessiblity and Logistics	Service Provision

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