VIDBE-Q Volume 64 Issue 4
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technology and connecting the COMS via videoconference at the start of
the visit and disconnecting the COMS at the end of the visit.
The results of the study revealed that participants perceived O&M
services in person, as they were currently being provided in EI, as the best
way to help them and their children learn skills and concepts related to
O&M, with teleintervention being a good supplement or alternative if
needed. Additionally, home visiting practices were observed to be similar
when O&M services were delivered in person or via teleintervention. The
results of the study also found that the costs of the teleintervention O&M
home visits were lower than in-person O&M home visits.
Conclusions drawn from the study suggest that teleintervention has
the potential to be a successful and viable way to supplement, not replace,
in-person O&M home visits with families of children with BVI, particularly to
increase the availability and frequency of services. However, guidelines are
needed to help direct families and providers in successfully implementing
teleintervention home visit sessions to accommodate the dynamic aspects
of O&M support visits, such as travel out in the community. Concerns
associated with maintaining the safety of the children and their caregivers
while engaging in teleintervention O&M visits must be addressed as this
model of service delivery is evaluated further.
