Communication interventions for high-risk infants: professionals' perspectives on establishing services in Sri Lanka
Yvonne Shyama Kumari Weerasinghe1, Samanmali Sumanasena2
1Department of Speech Therapy, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka yskw1982@gmail.com.
Insights
Family-centred early intervention in Sri Lanka shows promise, with professionals seeing its necessity. Challenges include resource limitations and implementing the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model effectively.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Public Health
- Healthcare Systems
Background:
- Early intervention is crucial for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
- The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model emphasizes family and environmental factors.
- Understanding professional perspectives on early intervention in Sri Lanka is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore professional views on implementing family-centred early intervention in Sri Lanka.
- To assess the effectiveness of current early intervention practices.
- To evaluate the applicability of the ICF model in the Sri Lankan context.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative phenomenological study with 30 healthcare and education professionals.
- Purposive sampling based on child development experience.
- Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews, ensuring validity through thick descriptions and member checking.
Main Results:
- Sri Lankan early intervention shows progress but leans towards medical/curative care over prevention and participation.
- Professionals view family-centred early intervention as necessary and potentially effective.
- Promoters include professional knowledge and environmental support; barriers are socioeconomic issues, limited resources, and ICF model implementation difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Sri Lanka possesses resources within health and education systems for family-centred early intervention.
- Families are identified as a key resource within the ICF framework.
- Culturally sensitive approaches are essential for successful program implementation and sustainability.
Background:
Early intervention is critical for optimising outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) identifies the role of family, interventions through early detection and intervention services within environmental and personal factors. This study explored the perspectives of professionals regarding the implementation and effectiveness of family-centred early intervention within the Sri Lankan context and evaluated the applicability of the ICF model in this setting.
Methods:
A qualitative, phenomenological study was conducted with 30 professionals from healthcare and education settings. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on their experience in child development. Data was collected through semistructured interviews, transcribed and analysed thematically to identify key themes and subthemes. The validity of the data was ensured through thick descriptions and member checking.
Results:
Analysis revealed that Sri Lankan early intervention practices show a positive trajectory, more emphasis is placed on the medical model and curative care, with less focus on preventive care and child activity and participation. Participants identified family-centred early intervention as a necessary and potentially effective approach for the Sri Lankan context. Key promoters included professional knowledge, environmental modifications and access to information, while socioeconomic barriers, limited resources and difficulties in implementing the ICF model effectively were challenges.
Conclusion:
The findings highlighted resources available within the Sri Lankan health and education system to introduce family-centred early intervention and identified families as a key resource as framed within the ICF model. Therefore, it is essential to adopt culturally sensitive methods to implement and sustain such programmes.
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