Telehealth and Occupational Therapy in Early Intervention
Edited by Lauren M. Litle, PhD, OTR/L and Anna Wallisch, PhD, OTR/L
During the COVID-19 pandemic, occupational therapy’s transition to telehealth service delivery for families of children in early intervention (EI) highlighted the strengths and distinct contribution of the profession during unprecedented times. It is more important than ever that occupational therapy demonstrates its distinct value in providing EI services through telehealth. This text acknowledges that telehealth is a critical part of occupational therapy within EI systems and draws on the expertise of researchers and practitioners to offer evidence-based, practical methods to engage in assessment and intervention planning with families served in EI.
Chapters include—
· Chapter 1. Overview of Occupational Therapy Telehealth in Early Intervention
· Chapter 2. Promoting Rapport and Caregiver Engagement in Early Intervention Delivered Via Telehealth
· Chapter 3. Chapter 3. Implementing the Coaching Model in Early Intervention Through Telehealth
· Chapter 4. Occupational Therapy Evaluation in Early Intervention Delivered Via Telehealth
· Chapter 5. Occupational Therapy Progress Monitoring and Documentation Via Telehealth
· Chapter 6. Navigating Challenging Situations
· Appendixes—Telehealth in Occupational Therapy, Guidelines for Occupational Therapy Services in Early Intervention and Schools, Occupational Therapy Telehealth Practices in Early Childhood, Examples of Assessments for Early Childhood (Birth–5 Years)
Chapters address themes related to digital literacy; diversity, access, and equity; cultural reciprocity; and family and child strengths and include learning activities and case examples to apply in practice or education.
As reimbursement models change throughout state systems, and telehealth persists as a permanent service delivery mechanism to supplement in-person practices, this text supports occupational therapy practitioners working to establish the profession as an evidence-based service that supports families of young children in EI.