No description available.

The thesis deals with the possibilities of intervention in children with behavioral problems. The main focus is placed on working with the family (unlike commonly used interventions that focus primarily on working with the child himself or herself). The first part portrays the theoretical background. It describes the mechanisms of family influence on the child in terms of the factors that can increase the risk of behavioral problems, and, vice versa, factors that act protectively and help the child cope with the situation in a functional manner. On this basis, we describe various forms of intervention in the family based on influence of the disclosed risk and resilient factors. The research project aims to respond to the discrepancy between the proven effectiveness of intervention in families and low levels of use (predominance of intervention focused on child itself only). Through qualitative analysis of interviews with professionals research maps possible ways for families to reach the intervention, its benefits and risks, and recommendations for improving the system of this kind of care in the Czech Republic. Keywords: conduct problems, family intervention, therapy

This thesis has been prepared in the paper based format and includes a systematic review, a novel empirical piece of research and a critical reflection. The thesis focuses on the implementation of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s (NICE) guidance recommendations for the psychological interventions for those people suffering from schizophrenia. Papers 1 and 2 have been prepared for submission in ‘Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice’ and the ‘Journal of Mental Health’ respectively. Paper 1 includes a systematic literature search and narrative synthesis exploring if the recommendations for psychological interventions for schizophrenia were being met. Rates of implementation for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Family Intervention (FI) were compared. The barriers against implementation and the strategies aimed at improving implementation were reviewed. Rates of implementation varied from 4% to 100% for CBT and 0% to 53% for FI. Previously reported barriers to implementation were found, with organisational barriers being most common. Implementation strategies discovered included training packages for CBT and FI. Rates of implementation are below recommended levels suggesting inequalities in the provision of psychological interventions for schizophrenia are present. Strategies to improve implementation that are comprehensive and supported from all levels of the NHS are considered to be most effective. Paper 2 reports a quantitative piece of research exploring if behaviourally specific and plain English language guidance can improve healthcare professional intentions to perform actions in line with recommendations for schizophrenia. An independent measure, single blind, randomised controlled design was used to disseminate guidance in two formats; the ‘original’ and ‘alternative’. Self-report measures revealed no significant results when comparing the original guidance to the alternative for the cognitive determinants of behaviour, actual behaviour change, or comprehension and satisfaction with the guidance. Behaviourally specific and plain English language does not affect intentions or behaviour to implement recommended guidance for the provision of psychological interventions for schizophrenia. A more multi-factorial approach including organisational culture may be required. Paper 3 is a critical reflection of the submitted papers and research process as a whole. Strengths and limitations of the included studies, the findings in the context of wider research, implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed.

Abstract The primary focus of this research project was an evaluation of the Group Stepping Stones Triple P parenting program for parents of a child with a disability. In addition there was an investigation into the similarities and differences in child behaviour and parenting experience, and program outcomes, for families of children with different developmental disabilities. While the Triple P Positive Parenting Program has an impressive evidence base (Sanders, 1999; Sanders, Markie-Dadds, Tully & Bor, 2000) and research indicates that the standard Stepping Stones Triple P Program is efficacious for different disability groups (Roberts, Mazzucchelli, Studman & Sanders, 2006) and for parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (Whittingham, Sofronoff, Sheffield & Sanders, 2009), to date the group version of Stepping Stones Triple P has not been comprehensively evaluated, nor the efficacy of the program evaluated when administered concurrently to parents of children with different developmental disabilities. Currently, there is a lack of participant-friendly, evidence-based group parenting programs that can be utilised in a cost-effective manner with all parents of children with disabilities. Many interventions have been designed specifically to cater to the requirements of a particular disability group. While there is some divergence in disability characteristics and in the experience of families of children with different disabilities, there is compelling evidence that many of the most challenging experiences faced by parents of disabled children (such as emotional and behavioural disturbance and delays in skill development) are shared by many disability populations (Raina et al., 2005; Bourke et al., 2008). Consequently there is empirical support for the implementation of a broad, skill-based parenting program for all parents of children with disabilities. The first study in this research project was a randomised controlled trial the Group Stepping Stones Triple P program for parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Down syndrome, other intellectual disabilities and Cerebral Palsy. Fifty-two families were included in this trial and were randomly allocated to treatment and wait-list control groups. The results demonstrate significant improvements in child behaviour and parenting difficulties that were maintained at follow-up six months later. For over a third of participants the change in child behaviour and parenting styles was clinically reliable (Jacobsen & Truax, 1991; Evans, Margison & Barkham, 1998). In addition, the majority of parents reported the attainment of their program goals following the intervention. The second study was a comparison of program outcomes for parents from different disability groups. The sample was divided into two groups; parents of children with ASD and parents of children with intellectual and physical disabilities. The results demonstrated significant improvements in child behaviour and parenting difficulties from pre- to post-intervention for both the ASD group and the Intellectual and Physical disability group. For a third of parents in the ASD group and over a third of parents in the Intellectual and Physical disability group, the changes were clinically reliable (Jacobsen & Truax, 1991; Evans et al., 1998). In addition, the means for both groups on the child behaviour, parenting style and parental psychological functioning variables were compared. The results indicated that there were some differences in child behaviour, parenting styles and parent distress between the two groups, and in the program goals set by parents. However, overall the results revealed no systematic differences in treatment outcomes across disability groups, demonstrating that the program was effective for families of children with ASD and families of children with Intellectual and Physical disabilities. Finally, a series of three case evaluations were conducted to examine program outcomes and differences in child behaviour and parenting experiences for the families of a child with ASD, Down syndrome and Cerebral palsy. The results of the case studies revealed significant improvements in child behaviour and parenting styles for all three families, along with high levels of program satisfaction and successful attainment of parenting goals. For all three families these changes in child behaviour and parenting style were clinically reliable (Jacobsen & Truax, 1991; Evans et al., 1998) and maintained at six-month follow up. The results also provided information about the similarities and differences in parenting experiences, child behaviour and program goals across the three disabilities. Overall, this research project has demonstrated that the Group Stepping Stones Triple P program is an effective parenting intervention for challenging behaviour and dysfunctional parenting in families of children with a range of developmental disabilities. The results of this research provide evidence to suggest that mixed disability group format used in the administration of the Group Stepping Stones Triple P program did not preclude positive program outcomes. Finally, the results of this research project indicate that there are many shared parenting experiencing across families of children with different disabilities and that regardless of observed differences in disability characteristics and family experiences, the Group Stepping Stones Triple P program is sufficiently flexible and comprehensive in its scope to meet the needs of families from different disability populations.

This thesis presents a program of research evaluating the implementation of a primary care intervention program for disruptive child behaviour, and the process of dissemination of the intervention to primary care staff. The specific aims were to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a brief, preventive behavioural family intervention (BFI) administered by primary care staff in improving parenting skills and confidence and reducing targeted child behaviour problems; 2) assess the process of disseminating the intervention to primary care professionals by evaluating aids and obstacles for program implementation in the workplace; and 3) provide recommendations for future dissemination of psychological interventions. Childhood disruptive behaviour problems are becoming increasingly prevalent and are associated with significant personal and societal costs. Much is now known about the development of such problems, including individual, family and social risk and protective factors. There is considerable evidence that BFI programs are effective in reducing child behaviour problems and the family risk factors associated with the development and maintenance of these problems. Unfortunately, many evaluated programs have not been disseminated effectively, and have primarily been provided to clinical or high-risk populations in efficacy trials. Primary care settings have been increasingly identified as ideal settings for detection and early intervention for child mental health problems. However, there is limited research in the area of primary care BFI. While dissemination of psychological innovation to psychologists has historically been poor, with little impact on the professional practices of practitioners in the field, documentation of dissemination of these interventions to non-psychologists is rare. Although dissemination and diffusion theory have expanded, there is little controlled research evaluating the necessary or optimal conditions for the adoption and ongoing implementation of evidence-based programs. To address the problem of poor dissemination and limited access to evidence-based parenting programs in the community, a multilevel parenting and family support initiative, the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, has been developed at the University of Queensland. One level of this system, Primary Care Triple P, encompasses a preventively oriented, early intervention program that aims to promote positive, caring relationships between parents and their children and to help parents develop effective management strategies for a variety of common behavioural and developmental issues. This primary care intervention was trialled and disseminated in the current research. Study 1 examined the effectiveness of Primary Care Triple P implemented by child health nurses with clients requesting help for child behaviour problems. A randomised group methodology was employed, comparing the intervention with a waitlist control condition. Assessments were completed at pre, post and 6-month follow-up. Data are presented for 26 families. In comparison to the waitlist condition, families receiving the intervention showed a significant reduction in targeted child behaviour problem/s according to monitoring and mother-report. Mothers receiving the intervention also reported significantly reduced dysfunctional parenting practices, greater satisfaction with their parenting role, and decreased anxiety and stress following the intervention in comparison to waitlist mothers. No group differences were found for observed parent-child interaction. However, rates of observed disruptive child behaviour and aversive parent behaviour were low from the outset. Consumer satisfaction with the program was high, and intervention gains were primarily maintained at 6-month follow-up. These results provide some of the first effectiveness outcomes from a randomised controlled trial of BFI in a primary care setting, and establish the effectiveness and acceptability of Primary Care Triple P conducted by child health nurses as part of usual practice. Study 2 examined the implementation of Primary Care Triple P following professional training in the program. Results of a survey of 1078 professionals are presented. A model of the personal, program, training and workplace factors influencing program implementation was tested. Structured equation modelling confirmed that practitioner self-efficacy mediated the relationship between program characteristics and program implementation. Prior professional experience and satisfaction with training did not predict self-efficacy or uptake. Workplace support was also directly associated with program implementation. These results advance our knowledge of the aids and obstacles faced by practitioners in implementing a new program in the workplace. This research provides important new knowledge in relation to improving early access to empirically-supported intervention services and has implications for the potential scope of service delivery in primary care settings. It also advances our understanding of the factors influencing a professional’s ability to implement a new intervention program following training. This information may inform the development of future dissemination efforts, allowing them to address necessary program, personal and workplace supports, and optimise program implementation following training.

This thesis presents a program of research evaluating the implementation of a primary care intervention program for disruptive child behaviour, and the process of dissemination of the intervention to primary care staff. The specific aims were to: 1) evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of a brief, preventive behavioural family intervention (BFI) administered by primary care staff in improving parenting skills and confidence and reducing targeted child behaviour problems; 2) assess the process of disseminating the intervention to primary care professionals by evaluating aids and obstacles for program implementation in the workplace; and 3) provide recommendations for future dissemination of psychological interventions. Childhood disruptive behaviour problems are becoming increasingly prevalent and are associated with significant personal and societal costs. Much is now known about the development of such problems, including individual, family and social risk and protective factors. There is considerable evidence that BFI programs are effective in reducing child behaviour problems and the family risk factors associated with the development and maintenance of these problems. Unfortunately, many evaluated programs have not been disseminated effectively, and have primarily been provided to clinical or high-risk populations in efficacy trials. Primary care settings have been increasingly identified as ideal settings for detection and early intervention for child mental health problems. However, there is limited research in the area of primary care BFI. While dissemination of psychological innovation to psychologists has historically been poor, with little impact on the professional practices of practitioners in the field, documentation of dissemination of these interventions to non-psychologists is rare. Although dissemination and diffusion theory have expanded, there is little controlled research evaluating the necessary or optimal conditions for the adoption and ongoing implementation of evidence-based programs. To address the problem of poor dissemination and limited access to evidence-based parenting programs in the community, a multilevel parenting and family support initiative, the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, has been developed at the University of Queensland. One level of this system, Primary Care Triple P, encompasses a preventively oriented, early intervention program that aims to promote positive, caring relationships between parents and their children and to help parents develop effective management strategies for a variety of common behavioural and developmental issues. This primary care intervention was trialled and disseminated in the current research. Study 1 examined the effectiveness of Primary Care Triple P implemented by child health nurses with clients requesting help for child behaviour problems. A randomised group methodology was employed, comparing the intervention with a waitlist control condition. Assessments were completed at pre, post and 6-month follow-up. Data are presented for 26 families. In comparison to the waitlist condition, families receiving the intervention showed a significant reduction in targeted child behaviour problem/s according to monitoring and mother-report. Mothers receiving the intervention also reported significantly reduced dysfunctional parenting practices, greater satisfaction with their parenting role, and decreased anxiety and stress following the intervention in comparison to waitlist mothers. No group differences were found for observed parent-child interaction. However, rates of observed disruptive child behaviour and aversive parent behaviour were low from the outset. Consumer satisfaction with the program was high, and intervention gains were primarily maintained at 6-month follow-up. These results provide some of the first effectiveness outcomes from a randomised controlled trial of BFI in a primary care setting, and establish the effectiveness and acceptability of Primary Care Triple P conducted by child health nurses as part of usual practice. Study 2 examined the implementation of Primary Care Triple P following professional training in the program. Results of a survey of 1078 professionals are presented. A model of the personal, program, training and workplace factors influencing program implementation was tested. Structured equation modelling confirmed that practitioner self-efficacy mediated the relationship between program characteristics and program implementation. Prior professional experience and satisfaction with training did not predict self-efficacy or uptake. Workplace support was also directly associated with program implementation. These results advance our knowledge of the aids and obstacles faced by practitioners in implementing a new program in the workplace. This research provides important new knowledge in relation to improving early access to empirically-supported intervention services and has implications for the potential scope of service delivery in primary care settings. It also advances our understanding of the factors influencing a professional’s ability to implement a new intervention program following training. This information may inform the development of future dissemination efforts, allowing them to address necessary program, personal and workplace supports, and optimise program implementation following training.

No description available.

The purpose of this study was to get an in-depth, complete picture of a social worker and child/family advocate in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The intent was to study the participant’s work and responsibilities in order to examine how she processed and completed her dual role as social worker/advocate and mother to a group of children in a children’s home. A focus on responsibility, the effect of her dual role, and the influence of her personal and religious convictions emerged throughout the study. The participant’s unique position in a dual role offered insight into the various aspects of advocacy and intervention in the developing county of Guatemala.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this feasibility study was to explore the use of a nurse-centered intervention, the Critical Caring Program, with family members of critically ill adults. The intervention was a series of therapeutic conversations with a family member, beginning in the ICU and following patient discharge from the ICU. FRAMEWORK: The Family Adjustment and Adaptation Response Model (Patterson, 1988) provided the conceptual framework; the intervention was adapted from the Calgary Family Assessment and Intervention Model. DESIGN: A randomized, controlled design with two groups (usual care and intervention) was used to assess the feasibility of the intervention. A convenience sample of 19 adult family members were recruited from an 18-bed ICU from October 2021–January 2022. RESULTS: 151 family members were screened for participation; 40 who were eligible and 19 were enrolled. Overall retention was 58% for the intervention group; 62% for the usual care group. Outcomes revealed no statistically significant differences between groups or changes within groups. The nurses viewed the training and conversations as positive but identified incorporating the visits into routine practice as challenging. CONCLUSION: The Calgary Family Intervention Model is a useful model for addressing families’ need for communication and support. Additional research is needed on incorporating therapeutic conversations into critical care nursing practice.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:46:07Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2341.pdf: 2590831 bytes, checksum: b5f5f5f6e27e928df1d8fc6612f087a4 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-27 / Studies have demonstrated that providing instruction for and intervening in the family of children with special needs during their treatment process may represent an effective way of ensuring adequate parental support. Moreover, since each phase of the development of a child with special needs may create novel demands, the professionals have shown to be required to review their actions throughout the treatment. The current study aimed to identify the major demands from mothers of children with severe cerebral palsy as regards the instructions provided by the professionals involved in their child s treatment as well as other sources of support for child care and development. Three important milestones in child development were taken into account: (a) preschool period; (b) early school period; and (c) early adolescence. Firstly, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) for Cerebral Palsy was translated and cross-cultural adapted to be used by Brazilian professionals. Accordingly, it was translated to Portuguese and its content was analyzed. Back-translation was conducted to ensure equivalence. The participants were nine mothers of children with cerebral palsy, who were divided into three groups according to their child s ages. Semistructured interview was used to collect data on child care, treatment, accessibility, types and levels of support, questions, difficulties, expectations, and parent-professional relationship. The Collective Subject Discourse was the method used to analyze the interviews. The results were presented according to the demands for each of the phases, being later discussed by comparing groups. The results of this study demonstrate that difficulties, questions and concerns about child care varied according to the child s developmental phase. In the initial phases, the major demands were related to questions about the child s survival, the lack of knowledge about proper child care, difficulties with the child s general health and the insecurity about the characteristics of the disorder. After meeting these demands, the mothers started to create expectations and raise queries about the child s development and prognosis, suggesting that they started to worry about the acquisition of walking, language and independence. Concern over child s weight, length and sexuality and the emergence of deformities are raised as important demands in the period close to adolescence. This study intends to contribute towards both an improvement of knowledge in the area and a better understanding of these family needs by providing reflection tools and suggesting intervention practices with this population. / A literatura aponta a importância das orientações e intervenções familiares durante o processo de tratamento de crianças com necessidades especiais, visto que essas são formas eficazes de fornecer esclarecimentos necessários e suporte adequado aos pais dessas crianças. Observa-se que a cada fase do desenvolvimento do indivíduo com necessidades especiais devem surgir novas demandas de orientações, levando os profissionais a reverem suas ações ao longo de todo o tratamento. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo identificar as principais demandas de mães de crianças com diagnóstico de paralisia cerebral grave em relação às orientações recebidas pelos profissionais envolvidos no tratamento, em relação à participação da criança e sua família na comunidade e com relação às outras fontes de apoio recebidas para o cuidado e desenvolvimento da criança em três diferentes marcos do desenvolvimento infantil: (a) período pré-escolar, (b) período escolar, (c) pré-adolescência. Para a realização da proposta, dois estudos foram desenvolvidos. O Estudo 1 teve por objetivo realizar a adaptação transcultural do Sistema de Classificação da Função Motora Grossa para a Paralisia Cerebral, o GMFCS. Neste estudo foi realizada a tradução, a análise semântica, a análise de conteúdo e a retro tradução do instrumento. A adaptação transcultural do instrumento é exposta na íntegra neste trabalho. O Estudo 2 contemplou o objetivo principal desta pesquisa que envolveu a identificação das demandas das mães de crianças com paralisia cerebral. Participaram do Estudo 2 nove mães de crianças com paralisia cerebral que formaram três grupos de acordo com faixas etárias em que seus filhos se encontravam. As mães foram entrevistadas por meio de um roteiro de entrevista semi-estruturada que abordou questões relativas ao cuidado com a criança, ao tratamento, à acessibilidade, aos tipos e níveis de ajuda, dúvidas e dificuldades, relação com profissionais, suas expectativas, dentre outros. A análise das entrevistas foi realizada por meio da técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Os resultados foram apresentados enfocando as principais demandas identificadas em cada uma das fases e discutidos de forma comparativa entre os grupos. Pelo presente estudo foi possível observar que, conforme a fase do desenvolvimento infantil, as mães apresentam diferentes dificuldades, dúvidas e preocupações com os cuidados da criança. Observa-se que, nas fases iniciais, as principais demandas estão relacionadas às dúvidas quanto à sobrevivência da criança, ao desconhecimento das melhores formas de cuidado, às dificuldades com a saúde geral da criança, às inseguranças com as características de sua deficiência. Superadas essas demandas, as mães passam a apresentar dúvidas e expectativas em relação à evolução e 9 prognóstico da criança, o que significa que passam a preocupar-se com a aquisição de marcha, linguagem e independência. As dificuldades com o peso e tamanho da criança, com a sexualidade e com o aparecimento de deformidades aparecem nas fases mais próximas à adolescência como demandas importantes. Espera-se que este estudo possa contribuir para o aumento do conhecimento na área e para maior compreensão das necessidades dessas famílias proporcionando elementos para reflexões e proposições de práticas de intervenção com esta população.