Family Perspectives toward Using Telehealth in Early Intervention

Using telehealth in early intervention has the potential to increase family and child outcomes as well as to increase access to family-centered services. Yet, little is known about families’ perspectives, including concerns, prior to using telehealth in early intervention. The purpose of this study was to explore families’ perceptions and attitudes toward using telehealth in early intervention. Nine focus groups were conducted with 37 families of children with disabilities. Overall, participants preferred in-person visits (versus telehealth) for early intervention services. However, participants recognized some benefits of telehealth in facilitating communication with early intervention professionals and reaching underserved families. In addition to benefits, participants identified barriers to telehealth including limited access to: technology, the internet and materials. Policymakers and professionals should consider the perspectives, priorities and concerns of families before implementing telehealth in early intervention.