ADHDCoach-a virtual clinic for parents of children with ADHD: Development and usability study

Costina-Ruxandra Păsărelu; Daniel David; Anca Dobrean; Alexandru Noje; Șipoș Roxana; Elena Predescu

doi:10.1177/20552076231161963

ADHDCoach-a virtual clinic for parents of children with ADHD: Development and usability study

Digit Health. 2023 Mar 9:9:20552076231161963. doi: 10.1177/20552076231161963. eCollection 2023 Jan-Dec.

Authors

Costina-Ruxandra Păsărelu^{1

2}, Daniel David^{1

2}, Anca Dobrean^{1

2}, Alexandru Noje³, Șipoș Roxana³, Elena Predescu³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
² The International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
³ Department of Neuroscience, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacology, Cluj Napoca, Romania.

Abstract

Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental health problems in childhood. Despite the fact that evidence-based treatments exist, behavioral parent training programs are the gold standard in the care of children with ADHD, a significant percentage of parents of children with ADHD do not access such interventions. Internet-delivered interventions are effective for a range of mental health problems, however, there is limited research conducted on the efficacy of such interventions in the treatment of ADHD. Objective: The aim of this study is to present the development and feasibility of an Internet-delivered intervention for parents of children with ADHD. Methods: The intervention was based on Behavioral Parent Training and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. Participants were mental health specialists (N = 16) and parents of children diagnosed with ADHD (N = 24). Results: Our results indicated high usability and parental satisfaction with the intervention. Conclusion: In conclusion, an Internet-delivered intervention addressed to parents of children diagnosed with ADHD is a promising approach. Future research should investigate the efficacy of this Internet-delivered intervention in a randomized controlled trial.

Keywords: Internet; Psychology; digital health; mHealth; online; technology.