Development and validation of an observational tool to measure engagement in telepractice early intervention
Creators: name: Retamal-Walter, Felipe
name: Waite, Monique
name: Scarinci, Nerina
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Neuroscience
subject: Evolutionary Biology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Science Policy
subject: Mental Health

description: To develop and validate an evidence-based observational tool to measure engagement in telepractice early intervention (EI). The Engagement in Telepractice Observational Tool (eTOT) was developed based on a previous e-Delphi study. Two independent raters used a set of 50 items to score 45 videorecorded telepractice EI sessions with young children with communication difficulties and their family. Principal component analysis (PCA) and reliability measures were conducted. PCA identified six key components related to the measurement of engagement in telepractice. The components representing professional behaviours were (1) interacting directly with the parent; (2) getting to know the child and family to keep them motivated; (3) maximising the telepractice environment; and (4) demonstrating and practising the parent’s role as agent of therapy. The two remaining components represented family behaviours: (5) parent interacting and supporting their child; and (6) family collaborating directly with the professional. The eTOT was found to have good reliability (α = .86), with very good test-retest and inter-rater reliability scores (κ<sub>w</sub> = .85 and .94 respectively). There is preliminary evidence that the eTOT is a valid and reliable tool to measure engagement during telepractice EI. The eTOT can be used as a self-reflection tool to identify and provide engagement-building opportunities in family-centred telepractice EI. Professional-family engagement is critical in the provision of family-centred early intervention, and there are unique features of engagement in the telepractice environment.An evidence-based and reliable observational tool developed specifically for telepractice provides insight into specific behaviours to build and maintain engagement during telepractice early intervention.Professionals are encouraged to use the “Engagement in Telepractice Observational Tool (eTOT),” which focuses on the early stages of telepractice intervention where families and professionals get to know each other and the foundations for engagement are established. Professional-family engagement is critical in the provision of family-centred early intervention, and there are unique features of engagement in the telepractice environment. An evidence-based and reliable observational tool developed specifically for telepractice provides insight into specific behaviours to build and maintain engagement during telepractice early intervention. Professionals are encouraged to use the “Engagement in Telepractice Observational Tool (eTOT),” which focuses on the early stages of telepractice intervention where families and professionals get to know each other and the foundations for engagement are established.