Implementing early detection and intervention for infants with developmental disabilities via telehealth – educational resources for families and health professionals

Implementing early detection and intervention for infants with developmental disabilities via telehealth – educational resources for families and health professionals

Lead researcher: Alicia Spittle
Department of Physiotherapy
Team members: Abbey Eeles, Jeanie Cheong, Rod Hunt, Iona Novak, Catherine Morgan
Partner organisations: Royal Women’s Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital, University of Sydney, Cerebral Palsy Alliance

Guidelines recommend infants at high risk of cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities, such as infants born preterm or with brain injury, are monitored closely following birth with developmental assessments and referred to early intervention as needed. With face-to-face assessments restricted due to COVID-19, there are many infants and their families who may miss out on timely assessment and support. Our aim is to create an online education module for health professionals (health and disability sectors) on how to use telehealth to facilitate early detection for infants at risk of developmental disabilities, along with resources for families.