Report on the Use of Telehealth in Early Intervention in Colorado: Strengths and Challenges with Telehealth as a Service Delivery Method

Authors

  • Beth Cole Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Early Childhood, Early Intervention Program
  • Katherine Pickard JFK Partners, University of Colorado School of Medicine
  • Arlene Stredler-Brown University of Colorado Boulder

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2019.6273

Keywords:

Early Intervention, Part C, Stakeholder Feedback, Telehealth

Abstract

The use of telehealth as a service delivery method for early intervention (EI) is in its infancy and few studies have examined its use within the context of a statewide program.  The focus of this report was to determine the factors that influence providers’ utilization of telehealth in Colorado’s Part C Early Intervention program (EI Colorado).  This report presents information that was gathered through surveys sent to Part C program administrators, service coordinators, providers, and caregivers. Surveys were used to understand perceptions of telehealth, actual experiences with telehealth, and perceived benefits and challenges using this service delivery method.  Follow-up focus groups were conducted with program administrators and family members to gather more nuanced information. Participants identified several benefits associated with telehealth including its flexibility, access to providers, and more family engagement. The primary barriers included access to high speed internet and the opinion that telehealth was not as effective as in-person treatment. The results in the report served to identify next steps in the implementation of telehealth in Colorado’s Part C EI program.

 

  

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Published

2019-06-12

How to Cite

Cole, B., Pickard, K., & Stredler-Brown, A. (2019). Report on the Use of Telehealth in Early Intervention in Colorado: Strengths and Challenges with Telehealth as a Service Delivery Method. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 11(1), 33–40. https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2019.6273

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2019)

Section

Early Intervention

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