Best practices for Virtual Screenings_2022

Virtual screenings have increased exponentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting a range of new opportunities and challenges for programs. Below are five best practices to help guide programs through virtual screenings and ensure strong support for children and families.

Be confident and prepared

Review our ASQ ® -3 and ASQ ® :SE-2 virtual screening guides and recorded webcasts for a complete walkthrough of the virtual screening process. And, decide the best way for your program to deliver questionnaires to parents—online through ASQ Family Access, texting the special release JPEG files, or via mail.

Prepare parents for the screening ahead of time

Connect by phone or video a week before parents complete the screening to discuss the purpose of screening and introduce the questionnaire. Make sure to answer any questions that the parent may have. Share the ASQ Parent Guides and ASQ-3 Material Lists with parents so they have time to observe skills and try activities with their child before completing ASQ.

Provide support to parents, if needed

Some parents will be able to complete the screening by themselves without any assistance while other parents may need some support, such as assistance with reading questions. Providers can go through the questionnaire together with parents via a phone or video call.

Promptly follow up with parents after the screening

After the screening is complete, schedule a second conference with parents to discuss results and plan follow-up steps, if needed. Follow-up conferences should take place within one week of the screening.

Fine tune your virtual screening program

As you continue to conduct virtual screenings, you’ll get a better understanding of what works—and what doesn’t—for your program. Talk with families to make sure that you’re addressing any questions or concerns they have, too.