Using an evidence-based online module to improve parents' ability to support their child with Developmental Coordination Disorder

Abstract

Background : Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. Best practices include raising parents' awareness and building capacity but few interventions incorporating these best practices are documented. Objective : To examine whether an evidence-based online module can increase the perceived knowledge and skills of parents of children with DCD, and lead to behavioural changes when managing their child's health condition. Methods : A mixed-methods, before-after-follow-up design guided by the theory of planned behaviour was employed. Data about the knowledge, skills and behaviours of parents of children with DCD were collected using questionnaires prior to completing the module, immediately after, and three months later. One-way repeated measures ANOVAs and thematic analyses were performed on data as appropriate. Results : Fifty-eight participants completed all questionnaires. There was a significant effect of time on self-reported knowledge [F(2.00,114.00)=16.37, p=0.00] and skills [F(1.81,103.03)=51.37, p=0.00] with higher post-and follow-up scores than pre-intervention scores. Thirty-seven (65%) participants reported an intention to change behaviour post-intervention; 29 (50%) participants had tried recommended strategies at follow-up. Three themes emerged to describe parents' behavioural change: sharing information, trialing strategies and changing attitudes. Factors influencing parents' ability to implement these behavioural changes included clear recommendations, time, and 'right' attitude. Perceived outcomes associated with the parental behavioural changes involved improvement in well-being for the children at school, at home, and for the family as a whole. Conclusions : The online module increased parents' self-reported knowledge and skills in DCD management. Future research should explore its impacts on children's outcomes long-term. Enclosed please find the research article entitled "Using an evidence-based online module to improve parents' ability to support their child with Developmental Coordination Disorder"-for consideration by Disability and Health Journal. The article consists of a mixed-method, before-after trial with a threemonth follow-up. In this trial, parents of children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) completed an online evidence-based module providing information and strategies to manage this prevalent and potentially disabling chronic health condition. This manuscript will be of interest to your journal as the families of children with motor delays, or "suspected DCD", typically visit physicians and many other health care professionals to find out "what is wrong with their child". Previous papers have suggested that providing evidence-based information to families is a key strategy in equipping families to support their children with DCD. However, no specific intervention has been tested so far to evaluate the impact of providing information to families. This study evaluated whether an evidence-based online module could inc...

Diversity of practices in telerehabilitation for children with disabilities and effective intervention characteristics: results from a systematic review

“…Technologies can be used in a variety of clinical ways to work with children and their families. Online modules presenting evidence-based information [16][17][18] or applications aimed at fostering physical activity, healthy lifestyle or chronic condition management [19,20] are examples of how the Internet has been used to disseminate general reliable information. For specific treatment goals, virtual reality systems [21] and web-based games [19] might offer interesting and effective alternatives to traditional one-on-one interventions.…”

Early intervention for children with/at risk of developmental coordination disorder: a scoping review

“…While the majority of studies targeted the child for intervention, several interventions incorporated education and capacity building of teachers and/or parents into their treatment 26,31–33,35,36 . Involvement of parents and teachers is critical to support the motor development of young children 63 and to build the capacity of caregivers, teachers, and coaches to manage the disorder at home, at school, and in the community 57,64,65 . Education and capacity building can be easily incorporated into a tiered service delivery model for early intervention for children with/at risk of DCD.…”

iHealth Diaries – how to do it right

“…Es fällt auf, dass vor allem bei Interventionen, die sich lediglich eine Methode zunutze machen, z. B. reine Online-Module [14], ein höheres Dropout berichtet wird als bei sog. Blended Treatments (Mischbehandlungen) [13] [15].…”