Development of the ELIM-I for collaborative implementation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of the Early Language Identification Measure and Intervention (ELIM-I) by Health Visiting and Early Years Teams
IRAS ID
320613
Contact name
Cristina McKean
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
This project builds on a previous project which developed a new early language identification measure and accompanying intervention (ELIM-I) carried out by Health Visitors at the Healthy Child Programme 2-2 ½ year review. This measure was commissioned in 2018 as part of the UK government’s Social Mobility Action Plan and was part of a programme of work delivered by Public Health England and the Department for Education in England. It delivered ELIM-I - an innovative protocol for assessment and intervention to identify and support children at risk of Speech Language and Communication Needs. There were 2 main components 1) a measure to identify children at risk and 2) an intervention to enable early support to be given to parents/caregivers. The ELIM-I protocol formed the basis of a training program which was cascaded through a ‘train the trainer’ model to Health Visiting teams across England in 2021 with the ambition of ELIM-I adoption in HV teams across England.
However it is not clear whether the roll out has enabled HV teams to use ELIM-I successfully or whether additional training and support is needed. Also, due to pressures on services, and high levels of speech language and communication needs after the COVID pandemic there is a need to find methods to mobilise more of the available capacity in the children’s workforce, across health and educational services to deliver ELIM-I.
This study has two strands, Strand 1 - Observation and piloting - is based in Health Visiting Teams and aims to examine the degree to which the ELIM-I resources and roll out have equipped teams to deliver the ELIM-I measure in practice. Also it aims to pilot novel intervention resources designed to support HV teams to deliver the ELIM-I Intervention component to children at risk.
Strand 2 – Developing and collaborating – Talking 2gether – involves collaborative working across HV teams and Early Years settings who offer provision to children aged 2-3 years. This aims to determine the degree to which a novel model of ELIM-I intervention support delivered partly by Early Years settings and partly by HV teams, is feasible, and acceptable and what training is required for its successful implementation.
In summary the following activity will be completed.
Strand 1 – Observation and piloting
1. Observation of current implementation of the ELIM-I assessment component with 6 families, 2 who are non-English speakers/EAL
2. Interview HV Teams and Parents after the observation to gather reflections
3. Provide training to HV Teams on the use of the novel intervention resources to support ELIM-I intervention delivery
4. HV Teams to pilot the intervention resources in practice with 6 families, 2 who are non-English speakers/EAL
5. Interview HV Teams and Parents after the observation to gather reflectionsStrand 2 – Developing and collaborating
1. HV teams and early years settings will attend training on novel ELIM-I collaborative intervention delivery (A program called Talking 2gether).
2. Feedback on the training will be collected via survey and a delivery log
3. Early Years Settings and HV Teams will deliver the Talking 2gether program with coaching and support from the research team
4. Feedback on the program will be collected through interview, survey and delivery log from parents, HVs and Early Years PractitionersREC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SC/0092
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion