TY - JOUR
T1 - Report from a multi-institutional randomized clinical trial examining computer-assisted problem-solving skills training for English- and Spanish-speaking mothers of children with newly diagnosed cancer.
AU - Askins, Martha A.
AU - Sahler, Olle Jane Z.
AU - Sherman, Sandra A.
AU - Fairclough, Diane L.
AU - Butler, Robert W.
AU - Katz, Ernest R.
AU - Dolgin, Michael J.
AU - Varni, James W.
AU - Noll, Robert B.
AU - Phipps, Sean
N1 - Funding Information:
A significant problem was that data could not be consistently and reliably transferred from the PDAs to computer data files for analysis as initially planned because of several irresolvable glitches. This was at times frustrating for therapists and participants, all of whom naturally wished to review work previously completed on the PDA, and to the investigators who wished to monitor usage. Zeman and colleagues (2006) documented similar technology problems in their efforts to implement a PDA platform to assess behavioral health in a primary care setting. These technical problems underscore the importance of not only having sufficient beta testing before launching a clinical trial, but also choosing a reliable partner in technology development. Significant time is required for program design, with multiple opportunities for pilot testing and redesign. Our group underestimated the time required for development, setting back recruitment more than 6 months. Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer grants, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health, are available for technology development. Wisely, these grant opportunities are divided into two phases, with step-wise funding. Phase 1 is devoted to product development. Once a reliable product is developed, the investigator is eligible to apply for Phase 2 funding for efficacy studies. We suggest that, under the best circumstances, doubling the estimated time for development is closer to reality than any of us wish.
PY - 2009/6
Y1 - 2009/6
N2 - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA)-based supplement for maternal Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) and to explore Spanish-speaking mothers' experiences with it. METHODS: Mothers (n = 197) of children with newly diagnosed cancer were randomized to traditional PSST or PSST + PDA 8-week programs. Participants completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Profile of Mood States, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised pre-, post-treatment, and 3 months after completion of the intervention. Mothers also rated optimism, logic, and confidence in the intervention and technology. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant positive change over time on all psychosocial measures. No between-group differences emerged. Despite technological "glitches," mothers expressed moderately high optimism, appreciation for logic, and confidence in both interventions and rated the PDA-based program favorably. Technology appealed to all Spanish-speaking mothers, with younger mothers showing greater proficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Well-designed, supported technology holds promise for enhancing psychological interventions.
AB - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a handheld personal digital assistant (PDA)-based supplement for maternal Problem-Solving Skills Training (PSST) and to explore Spanish-speaking mothers' experiences with it. METHODS: Mothers (n = 197) of children with newly diagnosed cancer were randomized to traditional PSST or PSST + PDA 8-week programs. Participants completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Profile of Mood States, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised pre-, post-treatment, and 3 months after completion of the intervention. Mothers also rated optimism, logic, and confidence in the intervention and technology. RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated significant positive change over time on all psychosocial measures. No between-group differences emerged. Despite technological "glitches," mothers expressed moderately high optimism, appreciation for logic, and confidence in both interventions and rated the PDA-based program favorably. Technology appealed to all Spanish-speaking mothers, with younger mothers showing greater proficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Well-designed, supported technology holds promise for enhancing psychological interventions.
UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/69249221681
U2 - 10.1093/jpepsy/jsn124
DO - 10.1093/jpepsy/jsn124
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C2 - 19091804
AN - SCOPUS:69249221681
SN - 0146-8693
VL - 34
SP - 551
EP - 563
JO - Journal of Pediatric Psychology
JF - Journal of Pediatric Psychology
IS - 5
ER -