Background: The evidence-based Hanen® programs support caregivers of children with communication needs to learn optimal ways to respond to children in everyday interactions and facilitate child-oriented strategies that promote interaction and language modelling.

Aims: To evaluate peer-reviewed literature on Hanen® programs with regards to the credibility, nature, and quality of the research findings and suggest implications for global contexts where Hanen® professionals practice.

Method: There were 196 papers about Hanen® programs imported into Covidence™ and 63 papers met the inclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol was employed to determine the nature of existing research. Levels of evidence were rated, efficacy and effectiveness reviewed, and quality rating tools were employed.

Results: Most studies related to two (of seven) Hanen® programs (It Takes Two To Talk and More Than Words) conducted across nine countries, using randomised controlled trials, case-series, case-control, cohort, and qualitative methods. The studies reported on dyad interactions; child language, behaviour, and autism; and caregiver perceptions, stress, and self-efficacy. Most were efficacy studies, and some were (perceived) effectiveness studies. A few studies tested adaptations of Hanen® programs (e.g., telehealth).

Conclusions: A range of evidence supports Hanen® use in its original form. Effectiveness in the real world relies on future research evaluating content adaptations to meet the needs of diverse contexts.

Implications for children and families: Some children have language-learning difficulties. Hanen® programs offer a range of evidence for supporting children’s communication.

Implications for practitioners: This presentation provides practitioners with an understanding of the evidence regarding Hanen™ when assisting families.

Funding: Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA).

Key words: children, families, professionals, communication, interdisciplinary, review

This presentation relates to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 17: Partnerships to Achieve the Goals