Identifying critical behaviours for building engagement in telepractice early intervention: An international e-Delphi study.
Felipe Retamal-Walter, Monique Waite, Nerina Scarinci
PMID 35338750WHAT IT FOUND
Experts identified 64 specific behaviours for building engagement in telepractice early intervention.
Key actions include taking the lead on rapport, using the family's home resources, adjusting for lighting and sound, and explicitly coaching parents to co-deliver therapy rather than just observing.
Key findings
01A consensus was reached on 64 critical behaviours across two rounds, with the highest number of items relating to input and collaboration.
02Professionals are primarily accountable for leading the interaction, including taking the lead on rapport-building and establishing expectations.
03Telepractice-specific behaviours such as commenting on the auditory and visual environment, using home resources, and troubleshooting technology were identified as critical for engagement.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The panel consisted only of experts, not parents or children, so it reflects professional assumptions about engagement rather than family experiences. Experts were from only three English-speaking countries (Australia, UK, US), which may limit the generalizability to other cultural or service delivery contexts. The study did not analyze differences between professional disciplines (e.g., SLPs vs. OTs), so it is unclear if consensus items vary by role. Consensus was reached on items observable within a session, potentially missing engagement factors that occur outside the appointment.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was supported by non-U.S. government funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret this list of 64 behaviours as evidence that they improve clinical outcomes or child development. This study identified what experts believe are critical for engagement, but it did not test whether using these behaviours actually leads to better therapy results.