Acceptability and feasibility of online occupational performance coaching for parents of children with disabilities in the UK

Abstract

Introduction: Occupational performance coaching is a collaborative, strengths-based approach used by occupational therapists working with children and families. This study evaluates the acceptability and feasibility of delivering an online occupational performance coaching programme for parents of children with disabilities in the United Kingdom. Method: Mixed-methods feasibility study. Eight UK-based families with children with disabilities participated in four to eight online coaching sessions. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was used to measure changes in occupational performance. The Parenting Stress Index Fourth Edition (short form) was used to measure changes in parental stress. Six parents were interviewed, and four therapists participated in a focus group to explore their experiences of the programme. Results: Parents and therapists reported a high level of acceptability for the telehealth coaching intervention. Parents reported positive changes in occupational performance (mean difference 3.29; p = 0.01) occupational satisfaction (mean difference 3.99; p = 0.01). Parents’ average total stress decreased by 12.5 points with greatest reductions in the parental distress subscale. Therapist fidelity to intervention was relatively low. Conclusion: The coaching programme was acceptable for parents who responded well to the intervention with noted gains in occupational performance and satisfaction. Programme delivery was feasible for therapists though further training in occupational performance coaching is recommended.