A web-based family problem-solving intervention for families of children with traumatic brain injury.
We developed a Web-based intervention for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and examined its feasibility for participants with limited computer experience. Six families, including parents, siblings, and children with TBI, were given computers, Web cameras, and high-speed Internet access. Weekly videoconferences with the therapist were conducted after participants completed on-line interactive experiences on problem solving, communication, and TBI-specific behavior management. Families were assigned to videoconference with NetMeeting (iBOT cameras) or ViaVideo. Participants ranked the Web site and videoconferences as moderately to very easy to use. ViaVideo participants rated videoconferencing significantly more favorably relative to face-to-face meetings than did NetMeeting participants. Both the Web site and videoconferencing were rated as very helpful. All families demonstrated improved outcomes on one or more target behaviors, including increased understanding of the injury and improved parent-child relationships. All parents and siblings and all but 1 child with TBI said they would recommend the program to others. We conclude that a face-to-face intervention can be successfully adapted to the Web for families with varied computer experience.
Wade
Shari L
SL
Division of Pediatric Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA. shari.wade@cchmc.org
Wolfe
Christopher R
CR
Pestian
John P
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D001930:Brain Injuries; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods; D005192:Family Health; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D014584:User-Computer Interface