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Occupation-Based Tele-Intervention for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Pilot Study
Stav Ben Zagmi-Averbuch1,2, Deena Rozen1, Bathia Aharon-Felsen1
1Meuhedet Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Ashdod 9108601, Israel.
Insights
This study adapted occupational therapy (OT) using the Cognitive Orientation to (daily) Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach for remote delivery in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). The Tele-CO-OP intervention proved feasible and improved children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Occupational Therapy
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research
- Telehealth Interventions
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children necessitates accessible intervention models.
- Limited evidence exists for hybrid occupational therapy (OT) interventions for pediatric NDDs.
- A gap exists between NDD prevalence and available developmental services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt an evidence-based OT intervention for remote delivery.
- To examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a hybrid intervention for children with NDDs.
- To explore facilitators and barriers of remote OT implementation.
Main Methods:
- Quasi-experimental pre-post, mixed-methods design.
- 12-15 weekly video-conference sessions using the Cognitive Orientation to (daily) Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach.
- Recruitment of children aged 5-8 years with NDDs from southern Israel.
Main Results:
- 14 out of 26 children completed the Tele-CO-OP intervention with high satisfaction.
- Clinically significant improvements in personal goal attainment were reported by 80% of children and 73.68% of parents.
- Key themes identified: parental engagement, ecological intervention, and technological literacy.
Conclusions:
- Tele-CO-OP intervention is feasible for children with NDDs.
- The hybrid model shows potential to enhance occupational performance in personal goals.
- Findings support developing hybrid OT services as a complement to in-person care.
Abstract:
Background: There is a growing gap between the increasing prevalence of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and the limited availability of developmental services. This raises an urgent need for effective and accessible intervention models. Hybrid intervention offers an innovative and practical solution, yet evidence regarding its feasibility and efficacy for children remains limited. This study aimed to adapt an evidence-based occupational therapy (OT) intervention model for remote delivery and to examine its feasibility and preliminary efficacy among children with NDDs. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental pre-post, mixed-methods design, children aged 5-8 years with NDDs were recruited from child development units in southern Israel. The intervention comprised 12-15 weekly video-conference sessions utilizing the Cognitive Orientation to (daily) Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach. Standardized outcome measures assessed feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Focus groups with parents and therapists explored facilitators and barriers to implementation. Results: Of the 26 participants enrolled, 14 children (71% boys) completed the intervention and reported high satisfaction. Clinically significant improvements were observed in personal goal training, reported by both children (80%) and parents (73.68%). Content analysis identified three key themes: parents' engagement, ecological intervention, and technological literacy. Conclusions: Tele-CO-OP intervention was found to be feasible for children with NDDs and showed potential to improve occupational performance in personal goals. Findings provide a practical foundation for developing hybrid OT services as a valuable complement to in-person care for this growing population.
