Family Perceptions of Barriers and Facilitators of a Telehealth Program to Support Infants at Risk for Developmental Delays.

Abstract

Background: Telehealth was an alternative in many countries during the COVID-19 pandemic for infants at risk of developmental delays. However, some barriers still challenge the adoption of telehealth as a care option, particularly once face-to-face interventions recommenced. This study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators of a telehealth program to support infants at risk for developmental delays.

Materials and methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted with 30 infants born at risk of developmental delay (preterm or term, with mean age of 3.1 months). Infants were enrolled between 2-12 months of corrected age. The program consisted of weekly telehealth sessions with a physical therapist focusing on supporting children's cognitive, motor, speech, and language development. After 6 months, the caregivers answered a questionnaire on perceived barriers and facilitators of the telehealth program.

Results: A mean of 9.5 (range 2-12) sessions were carried out. Most caregivers (80%) felt comfortable and satisfied with the program, found the application for video calls easy to use, got help with their questions, and perceived improvements in the development of their infants. The main barrier was most caregivers rated the concern regarding their child as low (53.3%).

Conclusion: Caregivers considered the telehealth program satisfactory and viable for complementary care and monitoring of infants' development.