Abstract
This mixed-methods study examines disparities in referral and enrollment rates for Early Intervention (EI) services among children under age three at risk for or diagnosed with developmental delays. The research focuses on a cohort of children referred from Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) to High-Risk Clinics or BabyNet services who did not receive recommended services. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to analyze referral and enrollment rates, identify factors associated with underutilization, and explore provider and parental perceptions of EI services. Common barriers to accessing services and characteristics influencing enrollment were also identified.
Existing studies have highlighted the importance of EI services in mitigating developmental delays, yet significant disparities exist in referrals and enrollment among underserved populations. While prematurity is a known risk factor, limited research explores referral discrepancies within minority populations or the influence of state policies on referral practices. Limited data link state policies to referral rates, and only a handful of studies address provider perceptions or design interventions to increase service utilization in underserved groups.
This research study provided insight into underutilization and disparities in EI programs in underserved populations. Through this study, researchers identified underserved groups not being referred to or receiving services from Early Intervention (EI) programs, common measurement tools used to assess developmental delays, and barriers to accessing EI services. This study offers new information related to the use of EI services, which can inform interventions to increase enrollment rates in minority populations.
Notes
References:
Barnard-Brak, L., Morales-Alemán, M. M., Tomeny, K., & McWilliam, R. A. (2021). Rural and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Children Receiving Early Intervention Services. Family & community health, 44(1), 52–58. https://doi.org/10.1097/FCH.0000000000000285
Sigma Membership
Alpha Beta Chi
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Mixed/Multi Method Research
Keywords:
Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, Clinical Practice, Health Promotion, Disease Prevention
Recommended Citation
Gilbert, Michelle Y., "Identifying Barriers to Accessing Early Intervention Services" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 42.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/posters_2025/42
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-12-01
Identifying Barriers to Accessing Early Intervention Services
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
This mixed-methods study examines disparities in referral and enrollment rates for Early Intervention (EI) services among children under age three at risk for or diagnosed with developmental delays. The research focuses on a cohort of children referred from Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) to High-Risk Clinics or BabyNet services who did not receive recommended services. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected to analyze referral and enrollment rates, identify factors associated with underutilization, and explore provider and parental perceptions of EI services. Common barriers to accessing services and characteristics influencing enrollment were also identified.
Existing studies have highlighted the importance of EI services in mitigating developmental delays, yet significant disparities exist in referrals and enrollment among underserved populations. While prematurity is a known risk factor, limited research explores referral discrepancies within minority populations or the influence of state policies on referral practices. Limited data link state policies to referral rates, and only a handful of studies address provider perceptions or design interventions to increase service utilization in underserved groups.
This research study provided insight into underutilization and disparities in EI programs in underserved populations. Through this study, researchers identified underserved groups not being referred to or receiving services from Early Intervention (EI) programs, common measurement tools used to assess developmental delays, and barriers to accessing EI services. This study offers new information related to the use of EI services, which can inform interventions to increase enrollment rates in minority populations.
Description
This session examines disparities in Early Intervention (EI) referrals and enrollment among underserved populations, highlighting barriers, provider and parental perceptions, and key factors influencing service utilization. Participants will gain insights to inform strategies for improving EI access and enrollment for at-risk children under age three.