title: Using an evidence-based online module to improve parents' ability to support their child with Developmental Coordination Disorder.
abstract: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. Best practices include raising parents' awareness and building capacity but few interventions incorporating these best practices are documented.
  
  
  
  To examine whether an evidence-based online module can increase the perceived knowledge and skills of parents of children with DCD, and lead to behavioral changes when managing their child's health condition.
  
  
  
  A mixed-methods, before-after design guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior was employed. Data about the knowledge, skills and behaviors of parents of children with DCD were collected using questionnaires prior to completing the module, immediately after, and three months later. Paired T-tests, sensitivity analyses and thematic analyses were performed on data as appropriate.
  
  
  
  One hundred-sixteen, 81 and 58 participants respectively completed the three questionnaires. For knowledge and skills, post- and follow-up scores were significantly higher than baseline scores (p < 0.01). Fifty-two (64%) participants reported an intention to change behavior post-intervention and 29 (50%) participants had tried recommended strategies at follow-up. Three themes emerged to describe parents' behavioral change: sharing information, trialing strategies and changing attitudes. Factors influencing parents' ability to implement these behavioral changes included clear recommendations, time, and 'right' attitude. Perceived outcomes associated with the parental behavioral changes involved improvement in well-being for the children at school, at home, and for the family as a whole.
  
  
  
  The online module increased parents' self-reported knowledge and skills in DCD management. Future research should explore its impacts on children's long-term outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke University, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada. Electronic address: Chantal.camden@usherbrooke.ca.
authors.forename: Chantal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Camden
authors.affiliation: Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke University, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada.
authors.forename: Véronique
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Foley
authors.affiliation: McGill University, 3654 Prom Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada.
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Anaby
authors.affiliation: McGill University, 3654 Prom Sir-William-Osler, Montréal, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada.
authors.forename: Keiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Shikako-Thomas
authors.affiliation: Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke University, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada.
authors.forename: Camille
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gauthier-Boudreault
authors.affiliation: Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke University, 3001 12e Avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada.
authors.forename: Jade
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Berbari
authors.affiliation: CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, Room 408, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 1C7, Canada.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Missiuna
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Family; Motor skills disorders; Pediatrics; Rehabilitation; Translational medical research