Impact of a Virtual Webinar Series on OTP Knowledge of & Confidence in Implementing Sensory Concepts in an Early Intervention Coaching Model

Abstract

Date Presented 04/04/2025

A 6-hour virtual webinar training series was an effective implementation strategy to improve OTP knowledge and confidence in implementing sensory concepts in an early intervention (EI) coaching framework, as well as appropriate and acceptable in format and content.

Primary Author and Speaker: Tara Glennon

Additional Authors and Speakers: Danielle Bernstein, Jordan Gulino, Marissa Holloran, Alexandria Persico

A coaching framework guides early intervention (EI) OTPs to support caregivers in positively impacting their child’s development. Concerns exist related to OTPs’ confident, successful, and consistent implementation of EI coaching (Pereira & Seruya, 2021; Seruya et al., 2022). Easily accessible professional development is needed to ensure that providers have the skills to facilitate caregiver learning (Childress et al., 2021). Given the pervasive impact of sensory integration and processing (SI/SP) difficulties in children (Pfeiffer et al., 2018), this pilot evaluated a virtual webinar training program which included underlying SI/SP therapeutic concepts and how these concepts interfaced with a coaching framework. RQ: What is the effect of virtual webinar series on OTP knowledge and confidence to implement SI/SP concepts within an EI coaching model?

PARTICIPANTS: Purposive sampling via invitation to the OT lead at a CT children’s medical center for approval and dissemination to staff. Eligibility criteria of a CT license and children under 3 years on their caseload yielded n=12.

DESIGN/METHOD: Non-experimental, quantitative, survey design pre/post researcher developed virtual webinar series.

INSTRUMENT, DATA COLLECTION, & ANALYSIS: Researcher developed pre/post-survey launched on the SurveyMonkey platform with analysis via descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation of data.

RESULTS: Comparatively higher post scores for confidence in identifying and addressing several sensory difficulties, as well as improvement in knowledge and confidence in the implementation of coaching strategies. OTP perceptions of the webinar series were positive for format and content.

LIMITATIONS: small sample and possible institutional bias.

CONCLUSION & IMPACT STATEMENT: A virtual webinar series was an appropriate and acceptable professional development tool, and an effective implementation strategy to improve OTP knowledge and confidence to implement a best practice coaching.

References

Childress, D. C., Raver, S. A., Eckhoff, A., & Gear S. B. (2020). Technology-mediated professional development for early intervention service providers: Connecting adult learning with caregiver support. Professional Development in Education, 49(5), 899–913. https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2021.1879222

Pereira, I. J., & Seruya, F. M. (2021). Occupational therapists’ perspectives on family-centered practices in early intervention. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 9(3), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1848

Pfeiffer, B., May-Benson, T. A., & Bodison, S. C. (2018). Guest Editorial—State of the science of sensory integration research with children and youth. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 72, 7201170010. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2018.721003

Seruya, F. M., Feit, E., Tirado, A., Ottomanelli, D., & Celio, M. (2022). Caregiver coaching in early intervention: A scoping review. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 76, 7604205070. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2022.049143