Yara Casais-Suarez

Mrs. Yara Casais-Suarez

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
3 January 2024 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Estíbaliz JiménezEstíbaliz Jiménez
Estíbaliz Jiménez
YCYara Casais-Suarez
Yara Casais-Suarez
AFAlba Fernandez-Mendez
Alba Fernandez-Mendez
Sara Menendez-EspinaSara Menendez-Espina
Sara Menendez-Espina
SRSergio Rodriguez-Menendez
Sergio Rodriguez-Menendez
JPJOSE PRIETO
JOSE PRIETO
Background: The purpose of this review is to explore the evidence and efficacy of two trends in early childhood intervention services: the family-centered model and the use of tele-intervention. Methods: A systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA methodology and using three databases: Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus. The studies included were those aimed at children from 0 to 6 years of age, focused on early intervention, and which alluded to the family-centered model and/or tele-intervention. Results: a total of 33 studies were included. Five main themes were identified: (1) The participation of children and family is facilitated and improved by the family-centered model of care; (2) the feeling of competence, self-efficacy, satisfaction and empowerment in professionals and families have a positive impact on quality of life; (3) the use of tele-intervention as a tool for prevention and intervention; (4) preparation for telepractice can improve the development of commitment; (5) tele-intervention as a possible solution to contextual barriers. Conclusions: Tele-intervention in pediatrics is presented as a tool inherent to the family-centered model since its implementation involves several common strategies. Future lines of research should explore the use of this tool as a possible solution to contextual barriers.

11 February 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Estíbaliz JiménezEstíbaliz Jiménez
Estíbaliz Jiménez
YCYara Casais-Suarez
Yara Casais-Suarez
Sara Menendez-EspinaSara Menendez-Espina
Sara Menendez-Espina
SMSergio Rodríguez Menéndez
Sergio Rodríguez Menéndez
AMAlba Fernandez Mendez
Alba Fernandez Mendez
JPJOSE PRIETO
JOSE PRIETO
Background: Considering the challenges of Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), especially in rural areas with limited access to resources, it is essential to explore innovative strategies to address these barriers. Recent research highlights the use of mHealth to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of interventions. This study aims to evaluate the impact of mHealth interventions within the family-centered model on child development and familial quality of life, compared to the child-centered model. Methods: This study employs a quasi-experimental design with pre- and post-test measures across two control groups (control group 1: child-centered model and control group 2: family-centered model) and one experimental group (family-centered model with mHealth). The sample consisted of 55 children (11 girls and 44 boys) aged 0 to 6 years old with neurodevelopmental disorders that resided in rural areas from June to September 2023. For the assessment of the family unit, an ad hoc sociodemographic questionnaire, the Family Quality of Life Scale, the Family Confidence Scale, and the Family Outcomes Scale were used. Children were evaluated using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory and the Battelle Developmental Inventory Screening Test. Results: Results revealed significant differences between the experimental group (EG) and the control groups. The EG, which received mHealth-based interventions within the family-centered model, demonstrated the greatest improvements in variables related to family quality of life and the child’s social functioning. Conclusions: mHealth appears to be a promising solution for improving access to early childhood intervention in rural areas, enhancing childhood development and a family’s quality of life. Strong therapeutic relationships, supported by interdisciplinary and individualized approaches, are key to maximizing its impact.

17 August 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
YCYara Casais-Suarez
Yara Casais-Suarez
JLJose Antonio Llosa
Jose Antonio Llosa
Sara Menendez-EspinaSara Menendez-Espina
Sara Menendez-Espina
AFAlba Fernández-Méndez
Alba Fernández-Méndez
JPJOSE PRIETO
JOSE PRIETO
Estíbaliz JiménezEstíbaliz Jiménez
Estíbaliz Jiménez
Diverse realities challenge the management capacity of public and private systems to ensure equitable quality and efficient access to resources, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to close gaps in essential services and ensure quality of life. The reality in Spain, and more specifically in the Principality of Asturias, is that most resources are concentrated in urban areas rather than rural ones, partly due to the region’s geography. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to explore the perspectives of various stakeholders on the early childhood care system in the Principality of Asturias (Spain), with the purpose of analyzing the mechanisms and determinants involved in its functioning and identifying opportunities for improvement. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using the theoretical framework of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) as a conceptual basis. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 24 participants selected based on their relationship with early childhood care systems, encompassing different levels of responsibility and operational roles. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach, employing inductive and deductive coding to identify recurring patterns and code co-occurrences within ATLAS.ti software. Conclusions: This study reveals major barriers to equitable early childhood intervention (ECI) in rural areas, such as geographic isolation, lack of specialists, long waiting times, and poor transport. Six key themes emerged, including the need for standardized system management, better family support, and digital tools like centralized electronic health records. Rural areas are directly limited regarding their access to services, highlighting the need for fair territorial planning and a holistic, inclusive care model. Improving coordination, accessibility, and technology is vital.