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An intervention to improve the self-efficacy of key workers to support parental wellbeing at an early childhood intervention service in Australia: a stepped wedged randomized cluster trial
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posted on 2023-02-10, 02:13 authored by D Young, J Reynolds, Utsana TonmukayakulUtsana Tonmukayakul, R Carter, E Swift, K Williams, R McDonald, D Reddihough, R Carracher, P Ireland, J Tracy, C Kenyon, L GibbsPurpose: It is well documented parents of children who have a disability are at an increased risk of poor mental health and wellbeing. A capacity building program designed to build key worker self-efficacy to support the mental health of parents accessing early childhood intervention services (ECIS) for their child was trialled. Materials and Methods: A stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial design was utilised to deliver and evaluate a 12-month intervention program, comprising tailored professional development, resource development and sustainability measures. The repeated measurements on individuals in six clusters over three follow-up periods were analysed using linear mixed models. Comparison of the control and new program statistical means (adjusted for period effects) were assessed with an F test. Results: Key workers reported increased confidence to talk to parents about their own wellbeing (d = 0.51, F(1, 51.8) = 4.28, p = 0.044) and knowledge of parental mental wellbeing improved (p = 0.006). A reduction in staff sick leave partially offset the cost of the intervention. Conclusions: A multi-pronged intervention targeted at key workers was found to be an effective way to ensure parental wellbeing is supported at an ECIS in Australia. Trial Registration: ACTRN12617001530314Implications for Rehabilitation There are implications for the development of children whose parents are experiencing high stress and poor mental health, whereby parents of children with disability or developmental delays are at increased risk. Findings from this study support the recommendation that a key worker is provided to holistically support families who access Early Childhood Intervention Services to aid in reducing poor parental wellbeing and child outcomes. Improved confidence to support and initiate conversations regarding parental wellbeing by key workers, in combination with support from management and the organisation to undertake this as part of their role, is a positive finding from this intervention study.
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Journal
Disability and RehabilitationLocation
EnglandPublisher DOI
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0963-8288eISSN
1464-5165Language
EnglishPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalPublisher
TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDUsage metrics
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cost consequences analysisDISABILITYdisabled childrenDISABLED-CHILDRENFAMILIESfamily caregiversFamily centred practicehealth services for persons with disabilitiesHEALTH-ORGANIZATION HEALTHLife Sciences & Biomedicinemental healthMENTAL-HEALTHMOTHERSOUTCOMESRehabilitationScience & TechnologyYOUNG-CHILDRENClinical Trials and Supportive ActivitiesBehavioral and Social ScienceMental HealthPreventionClinical ResearchPediatric7 Management of diseases and conditions7.1 Individual care needsMental health3 Good Health and Well BeingMedical and Health Sciences
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