Putting the pieces together: preliminary efficacy of a web-based family intervention for children with traumatic brain injury.
OBJECTIVE
To report preliminary efficacy data from a Web-based family problem-solving intervention to improve parent and child adaptation.


METHODS
Eight parents and six children with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) who were injured more than 15 months earlier (M = 16 months) participated in the intervention. Families were given computers, Web cameras, and high-speed Internet access. Weekly videoconferences with the therapist were conducted after they completed self-guided Web exercises on problem-solving, communication, and antecedent behavior management strategies.


RESULTS
Paired t tests comparing pre- and post-intervention scores revealed significant improvements in injury-related burden, parental psychiatric symptoms, depression, and parenting stress. There were also significant reductions in antisocial behaviors in the injured child, but not in self-reported depressive symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that a computer-based intervention may successfully be used to improve both parent and child outcomes following TBI in children.
Wade
Shari L
SL
Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA. shari.wade@cchmc.org
Wolfe
Christopher
C
Brown
Tanya Maines
TM
Pestian
John P
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D011340:Problem Solving; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D013997:Time Factors