Perspectives of Therapist's Role in Care Coordination between Medical and Early Intervention Services

Abstract

This study explored perspectives of therapist's role in care coordination between early intervention (EI) and medical services, and identified strategies for improving service delivery. Fifty adults participated in one of six focus groups. Participants included parents, pediatricians, and therapists working in hospital and EI programs. Structured guiding questions were used to obtain participants' perceptions. Transcript analysis included open code identification, axial code grouping, and constant comparative methods. The researchers established inter-rater reliability (kappa = 0.85) in the coding scheme before data analysis. The themes identified included information exchange, communication among parents and therapists, approaches toward child and family care, supporting social and emotional needs, perceptions of therapists' roles, and understanding service delivery systems to improve care coordination. Participants recommended training for therapy service providers and pediatricians in the areas of child development, team building, and service systems. Family-centered strategies emphasizing systems of care are recommended to improve therapists' role in care coordination.

A Case Review: Reframing School-Based Practices Using a Critical Perspective

“…The findings of qualitative study of seven occupational therapists' experiences with the model suggested it may hold promise toward overcoming barriers to collaboration (Campbell, Missiuna, Rivard, & Pollock, 2012). Ideishi et al (2010) have examined perspectives of therapists' roles in care coordination between medical and early intervention services for children with special healthcare needs. The authors call for family-centered care perspectives and strategies to improve care coordination and integration across systems.…”

Care Coordination for Children With Special Health Care Needs and Roles for Physical Therapists

“…39 School physical therapists also can serve as the intermediary between the educational system and the medical system and can help families negotiate both systems and understand the differences. Among the team members, physical therapists often are the most familiar with the medical system and terminology, so they are frequently called on by teachers, administrators, and parents to help interpret medical records that the school receives and communicate with health care providers.…”

Applying Contemporary Developmental and Movement Science Theories and Evidence to Early Intervention Practice

“…Since second-generation approaches emerged favoring transdisciplinary approaches, it is clear that physical and occupational therapists continue to fill roles on the basis of their unique training and expertise that are not shared by other EI providers (Ideishi, O'Neil, Chiarello, & Nixon-Cave, 2010). One important role identified for therapists was that of helping parents and other team members understand reports about children's health and medical status.…”