Family-Centered Care is an approach that has been widely used in early intervention (EI) programs. This approach focuses on the child and their family as the central role in all decision-making processes related to health care, with mutual benefits among those involved. However, the implementation of IP services seems to differ across regions and healthcare facilities. Thus, there is a need to characterize the service provided in Brazil from the perspective of health professionals.

To verify the perception of health professionals in relation to the service offered in EI.

The study design is cross-sectional. Health professionals who work in EI programs in Brazil (for at least 3 months) took part in the study. The online questionnaire was developed using Qualtrics software. This questionnaire consisted of multiple-choice questions about socioeconomic and demographic information, professional training, and professionals' perception of family involvement in EI and services. Descriptive analysis was performed.

Twenty-two health professionals (female: n=20; 90.9%) participated in the study, the majority being physical therapists (n=14; 63.6%), and the others speech therapists (n=3; 13.6%), occupational therapists (n=2; 9.1%), psychologists (n=2, 9.1%), and nurse (n=1; 4.5%). Most of them work in a multidisciplinary team (n=19; 86.4%); 12 participants (54.5%) answered that they have less than 10 years of experience and nine (40.9%) that they have more than 10 years of experience in EI. Most answered that they talk about the therapeutic goals with the family (n=21; 95.5%) and that they consider the needs of the family when establishing intervention goals (“always”: n=16; 72.7%; and “most of the time”: n=5; 22.7%). Regarding the involvement of family members, part of the professionals answered that most family members wait in the waiting room until the end of the session (n=8; 36.4%) during EI care; others answered that the families stay by their side observing the session (n=8; 36.4%), or effectively participate in the session (n=6; 27.3%). More than half of the professionals answered that only half of the families (n=12; 54.5%) are interested in receiving and following orientations in the home environment. Furthermore, professionals reported that they have favorable conditions to provide adequate care to children and their families (n=18; 81.8%) and that they are satisfied with their work environment (n=20; 90.9%).

From the perspective of professionals, most of them have considered the needs of families in the EI. However, they reported that not all families seem to be involved in this process.

Health professionals seem to consider the family-centered care approach during their EI care. However, they should explore new strategies to involve families more effectively.