Social validity of telepractice in early intervention: Effectiveness of family‐centered practices

Abstract

ObjectiveThe present study evaluates the impact of family‐centered practices on families' ratings of social validity of telepractice in 659 Spanish families in early childhood intervention (ECI) services.BackgroundThe integration of telepractice in ECI services has been accelerated by the social and health situation caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Until then, telepractice was a well‐known but scarcely used resource in early intervention. Social validity assessments are critical for telepractice because services are focused on supporting primary caregivers. Social validity, therefore, refers to whether the intervention approach and outcomes match the needs of children and families, allowing for improved planning, implementation, and evaluation of early intervention programs.MethodA survey‐based cross‐sectional study on families' ratings of social validity was carried out. A structural equations model was performed in order to assess the influence of families' ratings of the social validity of telepractice. The model analyzed a mediation through latent variables: family‐centered practices (X), fit of services to family needs (M), and social validity of telepractice (Y).ResultsOur study shows an overall good perception of social validity of telepractice by families. Focusing on family needs and priorities and professionals encouraging families to have an active role completely mediates the relationship between family‐centered practices and family social validity scores. No differences in telepractice modalities were found.Conclusions and ImplicationsA family‐centered approach to telepractice in ECI is needed, not only for greater social validity, but also for improved child and family outcomes, especially when services support real family needs and priorities.

Evidence-Based Implementation of the Family-Centered Model and the Use of Tele-Intervention in Early Childhood Services: A Systematic Review

“…The family-centered model of care was described as a facilitator in establishing a link with the clinical environment in the early intervention setting. This approach allowed both children and family to feel safe and motivated throughout the process [ 21 , 41 , 42 , 44 , 59 , 64 , 65 ].…”

“…Thanks to the principles that guide this model [ 22 , 25 ], the establishment and subsequent maintenance over time of the bonds of the therapeutic relationship is made possible. A large number of the families described the implementation of this model as positive, showing higher levels of satisfaction, confidence, competence and empowerment with the service [ 42 , 44 , 64 ].…”

“…Practices based on the family-centered model ensure family commitment and are related to positive therapeutic outcomes [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 48 , 53 , 59 , 61 , 63 , 64 , 65 ]. As shown in the previous section, variables such as competence, self-efficacy, satisfaction, and empowerment are of great importance since, to some extent, the intervention will depend on them.…”

“…This can be seen in the progressive increase in the number of publications that include this term in the Web of Science ( Figure 4 ). The casuistry, the circumstances and the approach from which tele-intervention is used entails the application of techniques or forms of action that are inherent to the family-centered model: active family participation, attention to the needs and priorities demanded, joint search for solutions [ 42 , 51 , 63 ].…”

“…The recent study by Martínez-Rico et al [ 42 ] conducted in a Spanish population analyzes factors of feasibility, usefulness or possible future interventions of tele-intervention in early intervention services. It also takes into account usability, effectiveness, competence and trust, factors that are relevant to what the authors call social validity.…”