The Role of Mentors in Early Intervention Referrals: Overlooked Views of Pediatric Residency Training Directors
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The Role of Mentors in Early Intervention Referrals: Overlooked Views of Pediatric Residency Training Directors Nicole Megan Edwards1
© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2018
Abstract Objectives There continues to be a pressing need to increase referrals to family-centered early intervention (EI) for more eligible infants and toddlers with inadequate consideration for the role of senior, mentoring professionals. Methods To address a dearth in our understanding, a subset of Pediatric Residency Training Directors shared views on EI, referral, and relevant training efforts. Results Participating directors primarily reported limited understanding of EI. Greater knowledge of familyfocused EI correlated with its perceived helpfulness (r = .420; p = .021), which positively correlated with referring a child to EI. Despite 67% of the sample viewing pediatricians as ‘most important’ in screenings and EI referrals, residents were perceived as only somewhat aware of EI referral and services, and only somewhat aware of differences between clinic options and Part C EI. Although nearly all respondents noted minimal EI exposure during training, only 43% felt this amount was ‘inadequate/insufficient’. The sample was fairly evenly divided in being ‘extremely’ or ‘somewhat’ interested in communicating with state EI leaders. Conclusions for Practice This preliminary analysis describes perceptions among senior medical professionals who may influence referrals via mentoring, training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Findings inform next steps in terms of research, improving education for directors and residents, and collaborative information-sharing to bolster family-centered EI referrals to improve child and family outcomes. Keywords Early intervention · Referral · Family-centered service · Pediatric Residency Training Directors · Child Find
Significance
Introduction
Researchers have investigated varying obstacles to satisfying the Child Find Mandate for earlier screening and referral to Part C Early Intervention (EI), but there is a gap in exploring perceptions among those overseeing direct service providers. This study provides a rare glimpse into how a subset of Pediatric Residency Training Directors view EI, referral, and relevant training efforts. Part C professionals should not overlook the importance of connecting with senior medical staff to proactively bolster awareness of unique components within family-centered Part C EI, the referral process, and the importance of ongoing inter-disciplinary communication to support more children and families.
Infants and toddlers (birth—36 months) in the United States with suspected delays or disabilities can be referred for developmental services in a hospital-affiliated clinic and/or family-centered early intervention (EI) under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The latter option promotes transfer of skills across settings in the natural environment (Raab and Dunst 2004) and includes a Service Coordinator to help families na
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