Videoconferencing therapy for parents of children with special health care needs
Videoconferencing-based Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Parents of Children With Special Health Care Needs: A Non-randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial
This study is testing a new online therapy program to see if it can help parents in Hong Kong who are stressed from caring for children with special health care needs feel better and improve their family life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 104 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Hong Kong and 4 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05803252 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the feasibility and potential effectiveness of a videoconferencing-based Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT) designed to improve the mental well-being of parents caring for children with special healthcare needs (SHCN). It targets parents in Hong Kong who are under significant stress due to their caregiving responsibilities. The intervention will be conducted over three months, focusing on enhancing psychological flexibility and family functioning. The study aims to address limitations of previous ACT interventions by utilizing a more accessible and efficient therapy model.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Cantonese-speaking parents aged 21 and older, living with a preschool or school-aged child with special healthcare needs.
Not a fit: Parents with cognitive deficiencies or severe mental illnesses that interfere with their ability to participate in the therapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the mental health and family dynamics of parents caring for children with special healthcare needs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy have shown promise in improving parental well-being, although this specific approach using FACT is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Cantonese-speaking Hong Kong residents aged ≥21 years; * living together with the child who is at preschool/school-age (3-9 years old); * adopt the responsibility of taking care of the child; * access to reliable Internet access via either computers and/or smartphones and be committed to maintaining internet access for the duration of the intervention In addition, potential eligible parents who respond "yes" to any of the five validated screening questions in the Children with Special Health Care Needs (SHCN) Screener will then be asked the associated follow-up questions to determine whether the child possesses physical, neurodevelopmental/emotional problem(s) that has lasted for at least 12 months. Only children with a positive response(s) to ≥ 1 item in each of the associated follow-up questions will be classified as children with SHCN Exclusion Criteria: * Parents with cognitive deficiency, severe mental illness and/or disability conditions that interfere with their ability to comprehend the programme's content * had substance/alcohol dependency problems, * are pregnant; * are less than six months postpartum
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong and 4 other locations
- Hong Kong Christian Service — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- Hong Kong Young Women's Christian Association — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- Chinese University of Hong Kong — Sha Tin, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yuen Yu CHONG, PhD
- Email: conniechong@cuhk.edu.hk
- Phone: (852) 3943 0665
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.