Social validity of telepractice in early intervention: Effectiveness of family-centered practices

Objective The present study evaluates the impact of family-centered practices on families' ratings of social validity of telepractice in 659 Spanish families in early childhood intervention (ECI) services.Background The integration of telepractice in ECI services has been accelerated by the social and health situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Until then, telepractice was a well-known but scarcely used resource in early intervention. Social validity assessments are critical for telepractice because services are focused on supporting primary caregivers. Social validity, therefore, refers to whether the intervention approach and outcomes match the needs of children and families, allowing for improved planning, implementation, and evaluation of early intervention programs.Method A survey-based cross-sectional study on families' ratings of social validity was carried out. A structural equations model was performed in order to assess the influence of families' ratings of the social validity of telepractice. The model analyzed a mediation through latent variables: family-centered practices (X), fit of services to family needs (M), and social validity of telepractice (Y).Results Our study shows an overall good perception of social validity of telepractice by families. Focusing on family needs and priorities and professionals encouraging families to have an active role completely mediates the relationship between family-centered practices and family social validity scores. No differences in telepractice modalities were found.Conclusions and Implications A family-centered approach to telepractice in ECI is needed, not only for greater social validity, but also for improved child and family outcomes, especially when services support real family needs and priorities.