Modification to a systematically braided parent-support curriculum: Results from a feasibility pilot.

OBJECTIVES

There are a variety of parent-support programs designed to improve parenting and, thereby,the safety and well-being of children. Providers trained in multiple programs are likely to select components of interventions they feel will meet the needs of the families they serve leaving out aspects they deem unnecessary orredundant. In so doing, the fidelity of the evidence-based program is at risk. A potential solution is in which evidence-based programs are combined such that the fidelity to each original model and its implementation are maintained.

METHODS

Drawing on qualitative feedback from a prior iteration, this paper discusses results of a feasibility and acceptability pilot of a modified version of the systematically braided curriculum This modification removed a provider-perceived "redundant" portion from the original PATSCH curriculum. A pre-post design (=18) was used to evaluate the efficacy of the modified curriculum.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were seen in trained parent behaviors surrounding home safety and child health. There was also improvement in self-reported parenting behaviors, the portion of the braided curriculum removed, suggesting that the PAT curriculum adequately teaches these skills. Providers and parents were highly satisfied with themodified curriculum.

CONCLUSIONS

If a curriculum is modified to reflect provider and parent preferences, then the potential for delivery without fidelity is minimized.