Short report: Experiences of Caregivers Participating in a Telehealth Evaluation of Development for Infants (TEDI).
Meagan R Talbott, Ellisa Lang, Felipe Avila and 2 others
PMID 35945386WHAT IT FOUND
Caregivers found a telehealth infant assessment convenient and appreciated receiving a kit of toys in advance.
However, managing the camera and engaging the infant at home were frequent challenges. Families requested video tutorials and practice sessions to help them prepare for the technical demands of the visit.
Key findings
01The most common benefit reported by caregivers was the provision of a kit containing toys and cue cards, which helped them feel prepared.
02The primary challenge was technological, specifically the difficulty of managing camera angles and moving devices around the home.
03A minority of caregivers found it emotionally difficult to observe their infant struggling with tasks during the session.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The sample was small (32 caregivers) and self-selected, consisting mostly of highly educated families with high socioeconomic status. The study reports themes and frequencies of comments, not measured outcomes or efficacy of the assessment. The examiners were PhD-level psychologists, so the findings may not apply to community-based practitioners with different training levels. The sample did not represent families with the most significant barriers to telehealth, such as those without reliable internet or devices.
Declared interests
The study was funded by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. No other conflicts of interest were declared.
The easy way to misread this
Do not interpret the high percentage of positive feedback as evidence that telehealth assessments are clinically equivalent to in-person evaluations. This study only reports caregiver satisfaction and experiences, not the accuracy or validity of the assessment results.