Educational Blogshots for Parenting Health Decisions

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byLisa Hartling, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: N/A

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Alberta

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The goal of this multi-method study including a randomized control trial and qualitative interviews is to see how useful blogshots (an image that summarizes information) are at helping parents increase their knowledge and manage their expectations for common acute childhood conditions (e.g. sore throat, ear infection) with respect to Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations. Participants will be randomly assigned to Group A or Group B in this study. Group A will receive three of six blogshots over a 4-week period (a different blogshot will be sent by email to them each week for three weeks, then in the final week they will receive the same three blogshots in one summary email to review). Group B will receive the other three of six blogshots, following the same email sequence and timing. All participants from both groups will be asked to complete one baseline questionnaire at the start of the study and a follow-up questionnaire at week 5, month 3 and month 6 about different common acute childhood conditions, the blogshots and their content. All participants also have the option to participate in an optional semi-structured interview to give their thoughts on the blogshots and their experience in the study. Researchers will compared each participant's baseline score to their follow up scores to see if there was a change in their knowledge and expectations. By developing and evaluating evidence-based Choosing Wisely Canada resources, the researchers aim to make it easier for parents to choose wisely. Empowering parents to be part of conversations with their child's healthcare provider can improve health decision-making and reduce health system costs.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for parents or legal guardians over the age of 18, living in Canada, with a child under 5. They must be able to read and speak English, have internet access, and use an electronic device like a computer or smartphone.

Inclusion Criteria

I can speak and read English well enough to complete a questionnaire and interview.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

I can complete interviews and questionnaires in English.

Treatment Details

The study tests if 'blogshots'—images summarizing information—help parents understand and manage expectations for treating common childhood conditions according to Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations.

2Treatment groups

Active Control

Group I: Group A - Sore Throat Swab, Cough and Cold, AsthmaActive Control1 Intervention

Group A will receive three of six blogshots (different to Group B) over a 4-week period (a different blogshot will be sent by email to them each week for three weeks, then in the final week they will receive the same three blogshots in one summary email to review). They will act as their own control group. All participants from both groups will be asked to complete one baseline questionnaire at the start of the study and a follow-up questionnaire at week 5, month 3 and month 6 about different common acute childhood conditions, the blogshots and their content. All participants can also participate in an optional semi-structured interview to give their thoughts on the blogshots and their experience in the study.

Group II: Group B - Ear Infection, Bronchiolitis, Antibiotics for Sore ThroatActive Control1 Intervention

Group B will receive three of six blogshots (different to Group A) over a 4-week period (a different blogshot will be sent by email to them each week for three weeks, then in the final week they will receive the same three blogshots in one summary email to review). They will act as their own control group. All participants from both groups will be asked to complete one baseline questionnaire at the start of the study and a follow-up questionnaire at week 5, month 3 and month 6 about different common acute childhood conditions, the blogshots and their content. All participants can also participate in an optional semi-structured interview to give their thoughts on the blogshots and their experience in the study.