Technology-Based Parent School Program: Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol

Author(s):

Ahu Cirlak

Background: There are various training programs aimed at increasing the knowledge and/or skills of parents. In these programs, by focusing on parents' knowledge, attitudes and behaviors, parents are provided with guidance through face-to-face or group trainings in order to improve their parenting skills for their children's physical, mental, social, emotional and language development. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a technology-based parent school program designed for parents of toddlers to be improved their parenting abilities. Design and setting: A parallel group, single-blind (participant) randomized controlled trial. Methods: The study protocol was guided by the SPIRIT. The study will be conducted with parents whose children are between the ages of 16 and 21 months in a hospital's well-child outpatient clinic in Turkey. The study the minimum sample size is planned to be intervention group=34, control group=34. The program will be continued for 10 weeks in the intervention group and will be included five web-based modules, five online group interactions after each module, and consultation throughout the program and the follow-up period. The modules will be included topics such as the child's physical growth, cognitive and linguistic development, and social-emotional development. The modules will be supported by videos and messages. This study will be based on Meleis' Transition Theory. Results: In order to contribute to the development of the child in the best way, it is thought that there is a need for a parent school where evidence-based information transfer will be possible using technology, experiences can be shared, and interaction will take place. Conclusions: Parent school is a guide that will support people, especially first-time parent, in the growth and rearing of the toddler in the age group under consideration. It is also a social place where parents may share their experiences by communicating with other parents. Technology removes time and place constraints, allowing more parents to be reached and contributing to the development of many more children. Trial registration: It was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov in May 2022 (NCT05370989)