Protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of remotely-delivered Video Interaction Guidance [VIG] for families of children with an intellectual disability referred to specialist mental health services. (Preprint)

Abstract

Children with an intellectual disability (ID) are 3-4 times more likely to present with behaviours that challenge and mental health problems than typically developing children. Parenting and the quality of parent-child relationships are risk factors for these families. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated difficulties, leading to an increase in child mental health problems and behaviours that challenge, a deterioration in parental mental health, and further strain on family relationships. Remote family interventions could be an effective solution for both families and specialist mental health services. Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) has shown promise for improving child mental health. However, it is unclear whether it is widely acceptable to families and feasible to implement across specialist child mental health services.

This randomised controlled trial aims to evaluate the feasibility of delivering VIG as a remote intervention for parents of children aged 6-12 years with ID who have been referred to specialist mental health services.

The study will be conducted in National Health Service specialist mental health services in England, with 5-7 sites anticipated to take part. Fifty participants will be allocated on a 1:1 basis into either the intervention group (receiving VIG) or the treatment as usual group. The primary feasibility outcomes of the study are participant recruitment rate, study retention at 6 months follow-up, and completion rate of VIG cycles. Secondary outcomes include the completeness of outcome measures, the acceptability of VIG, the feasibility of remote implementation and evaluation, including fidelity, and a preliminary assessment of service use and costs. Data will be collected through interviews and/or questionnaires at baseline, 3- and 6-month follow-up.

The trial is open to recruitment between December 2022 to March 2024. First results should be available by 2025.

The study aims to provide information on the feasibility of conducting a larger trial of remotely-delivered VIG to parents of children with an ID aged 6 -12 years in specialist mental health settings.

ISRCTN13171328