Can a Web-based family problem-solving intervention work for children with traumatic brain injury?

Abstract

Objective: To examine the feasibility and efficacy of a Web-based intervention for children with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants: 6 families comprising 8 parents, 5 siblings, and 6 children with TBI (mean age 10.5 years). Intervention: Families received computers, Web cameras, and Internet access. Participants completed 7–11 online sessions and accompanying weekly videoconferences with the therapist. Main Outcome Measures: Outcomes included child behavior problems, social competence, executive function skills, and parent–child conflict. Results: Children with TBI rated Web site content as very to extremely helpful and reported high overall satisfaction. There was a trend for children with TBI to rate the videoconferences as less helpful than did other family members and relative to a face-to-face visit. Parents reported improvements in antisocial behaviors, and children with TBI reported reductions in conflict with parents regarding school. Conclusions: Web-based interventions hold promise for improving child outcomes following pediatric TBI.