Evaluation of an educational website for parents of children with ADHD.
BACKGROUND
ADHD is a relatively common neuro-developmental condition characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. The provision of timely and accurate information about the condition and about strategies to manage it is vital especially because of widespread misconceptions about it.


OBJECTIVE
To see the effect of an educational website on (i) parental perceptions (ii) knowledge levels, and to obtain feedback to optimise user-experience.


METHODS
Parents whose children had ADHD (or were close to diagnosis) were recruited. Following a 30-item baseline knowledge test parents/carers were directed to an educational website on ADHD. After this they were re-contacted for follow up testing and feedback.


RESULTS
n=172, 14 were lost to follow up. Ninety-one (59.4 %) participants were known to have accessed the website at follow up. The majority of carers accessed the website just once or twice (32.7%). Of those who did not access the website 65% cited a lack of time as the reason while 29% cited they were unable to access the internet at the time. The majority (74%) of those accessing the site were just browsing for general information. Parents showed increased knowledge post website use p=0.000. Of those accessing the website the majority (85.5%) felt it was relevant to them and would use it again (90.8%). Content analysis of open-ended feedback identified eight core themes including website appearance, content, functionality, perceptions, target audience, usability, usage patterns with areas for improvement noted in four areas.


CONCLUSIONS
Websites can be used as an adjunct to information given at clinic. Although a majority of parents will access them, there are still barriers to access e.g. time. Websites do seem to improve parent/carer knowledge levels.
University of Derby, College of Health and Social Care, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK; Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Families, Young People and Children's Services, Bridge Park Plaza, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8PQ, UK. Electronic address: g.ryan@derby.ac.uk.
Gemma Sinead
GS
Ryan
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Families, Young People and Children's Services, Bridge Park Plaza, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8PQ, UK.
Munib
M
Haroon
Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, Families, Young People and Children's Services, Bridge Park Plaza, Thurmaston, Leicester LE4 8PQ, UK.
Gail
G
Melvin
D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D013222:State Medicine; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
ADHD; Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder; Educational website; Internet; Parent education