Digital delivery methods of parenting training interventions: a systematic review.
BACKGROUND
Alternative delivery methods to implement evidence-based parent training programs are emerging to address barriers related to parent attendance in face-to-face administration. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize and critically evaluate the research on the use of technology and digital delivery methods for parenting training and offer recommendations for advancing the science and practice of parent training using digital delivery methods.


METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Scopus database, and ERIC to identify articles published between 2000 and 2012 reporting studies using digital methods to deliver parent training. Eleven studies were included in the review and were analyzed related to the digital delivery methods used, participant rates of intervention completion (dose), and the efficacy for improving parent and child outcomes.


RESULTS
The final sample of papers (n = 11) represent seven parent training interventions and nine digital delivery methods. Six of the nine used the Internet as the primary delivery method. The proportion of digitally delivered content completion ranged from 41.7% to 99.2%. Of the studies (n = 4) that reported behavioral outcomes of the interventions, the average effect size (Cohen's d) for child outcomes was .61 and for parent outcomes .46.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings from this review indicate that the use of technology and digital delivery is a growing and emerging method of delivering parent training interventions with high potential for increasing reach and sustainability as we implement interventions in real world settings. Gaps in the studies reviewed highlight the need for consistency of dose calculations using digital methods, more research related to efficacy and comparative effectiveness studies of delivery methods.
Breitenstein, Assistant Professor, Rush University College of Nursing, and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholar, Chicago, IL, USA.
Susan M
SM
Breitenstein
Deborah
D
Gross
Rebecca
R
Christophersen
D004505:Education, Nonprofessional / Q000379:methods*; D055318:Evidence-Based Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting
Internet delivery; Web-based delivery; digital delivery methods; parent training; parenting; technology