Family-centred care models in early intervention: A systematic descriptive review of intervention characteristics and reported child and family outcomes.

Background

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Purpose

Family-centred care (FCC) is increasingly recognized in early intervention (EI), but evidence linking specific models to child and family outcomes remains limited. This review aimed to synthesize FCC-based models implemented in EI, examining their characteristics, target populations, and reported outcomes.

Methods

Searches were conducted in May 2026 in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Dialnet and PEDro, without publication-year restrictions. Eligible studies included FCC-based interventions for children aged 0-6 years reporting child and family outcomes. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2), and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools; certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

Ten studies were included. Family outcomes showed more consistent favourable patterns than child outcomes, including reduced parental stress, improved parent-child interaction and greater parental competence (p < 0.05). Child-related findings were more heterogeneous, with clearer effects in neonatal and high neurological risk groups in weight gain, behavioural regulation and motor development (p < 0.05). Structured parental coaching was associated with closer correspondence between family and child outcomes.

Conclusion

FCC-based EI remains an emerging and heterogeneous field. Strengthening family capacity may represent an important pathway through which FCC influences child development, although more rigorous research is needed to identify effective components and implementation contexts. IMPLICATIONS TO PRACTICE Structured parental coaching may strengthen the effectiveness of family-centred early intervention for both children and families.