Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: May 9, 2020
Date Accepted: Nov 3, 2020
Coaching Whilst Waiting: Feasibility of Occupational Performance Coaching and service navigation support to address child and family goals whilst waiting for ASD assessment: A protocol
ABSTRACT
Background:
In Australia the average time between first concern of ASD and diagnosis is over 2 years. After referral for assessment families often wait six to twelve months before their appointment. This can be a time of uncertainty and stress for families. For some families other forms of assistance are not accessible and timely intervention opportunities are missed. There is little evidence about how to provide best support for children or caregivers whilst on assessment waiting lists.
Objective:
To determine whether use of a coaching intervention, called Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC), combined with service navigation support, is feasible for families waiting for ASD assessment, as a crucial first step in planning a randomised trial.
Methods:
A pilot and feasibility study will be conducted using recommended constructs and associated measures, and reported using CONSORT guidance. Participants will be recruited within four months of their child, aged one to seven years, being referred to one of two Victorian services for an ASD assessment. Participants will be randomised to one of three trial arms: (1) intervention delivered face-to-face, (2) intervention via telehealth, and (3) usual care.
Results:
Descriptive statistics will be used to describe the sample characteristics of parents and children. Recruitment rates will be reported, and retention rates evaluated against a predicted rate of 70-80% in each intervention arm. Goal attainment, using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, will indicate preliminary evidence for efficacy within the intervention arms, with an increase of two or more points on a 10-point performance and satisfaction scale considered clinically significant.
Conclusions:
Study findings will support planning for a future randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy of OPC and serviced navigation support for caregivers of children awaiting ASD assessment. Clinical Trial: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12620000164998; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378793
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