Training Primary Care Clinicians and Online Parent Program to Prevent Child Behavioral Problems in Children Ages 3 to 8

What this Trial Is About

Behavioral problems in children and adolescents contribute significantly to youth illness and death. Researchers are studying how parent-focused programs can prevent these issues, such as depression and conduct disorders, and reduce related societal costs. The study aims to improve access to effective parenting programs by using pediatric primary care as a non-stigmatizing point of contact, addressing current barriers like limited clinician training and difficulties attending in-person programs. This study includes two trials one testing referral training for primary care clinicians PCCs to improve how they connect families to parenting programs, and another evaluating a six-session online parent training program called Empowered Generations eGen delivered by therapists via video chat. PCCs with pediatric patients aged 3-8 are randomized to either receive live referral training or only written referral information. Parents are assigned to either the eGen program or a control session providing parenting resources. Participants will be assessed on child behavior problems and parenting behavior at 10 weeks, referral completion over 4 years, and parent attendance after 1 year. Additional measures include parent mental health, parenting confidence, and intervention acceptability. The study tracks these outcomes through questionnaires and therapist sessions, lasting several years to evaluate both short- and long-term effects of the referral training and parenting interventions.

Referral Training and eGen Trials