Evaluation of a Web Platform Aiming to Support Parents Having a Child with Developmental Coordination Disorder: Brief Report

Dev Neurorehabil. 2020 Jan;23(1):64-67. doi: 10.1080/17518423.2019.1655675. Epub 2019 Aug 14.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effects of a web platform, aiming to support parents of children 5-12 years old with suspected or diagnosed developmental coordination disorder (DCD), on parental knowledge and skills.Method: A randomized pilot trial was undertaken (Clinical trial NCT03141333). Parents of the intervention group (n = 15) had access to a web platform (including resources, forum and virtual interactions) for three months. The control group (n = 13) only had access to resources. The primary outcome was measured pre- and post-intervention with the Parent Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire. Pre- post-questionnaires evaluated secondary outcomes (parents' sense of competence, children's strenghts and difficulties, and occupational performance).Results and discussion: All outcome measures improved over time for the intervention group. However, those improvements were not clinically or statistically significant (p 0.08-0.41).Conclusion: Web platforms supporting parents of children with DCD need further evaluation. Especially, usability of web platforms and new outcome measures should be explored.

Keywords: Developmental coordination disorder; online intervention; parental support; web platform.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Skills Disorders / rehabilitation*
  • Neurological Rehabilitation / methods*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Social Support*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires