Providers’ Reported and Actual Use of Coaching Strategies in Natural Environments

This case study examined the agreement between reported and actual use of coaching strategies based on home visit data collected on a diverse sample of providers and families. Paired videotape and contact note data of and from providers of what transpired during those home visits were collected over a six month period and analyzed using structured protocols. Results of both descriptive and correlation analyses indicated providers used a range of coaching strategies, tended to underreport (under-represent) their efforts on contact notes, and demonstrated practices that were primarily collaborative and family-centered. Agreement between actual and reported use of coaching strategies was variable and did not support our anticipated finding. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.