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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2015 Nov-Dec;40(10):1085-94.
doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsv063. Epub 2015 Jun 30.

Lessons Learned From a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Family-Based Intervention to Promote School Functioning for School-Age Children With Sickle Cell Disease

Lauren C Daniel  1 , Yimei Li  2 , Kelsey Smith  3 , Reem Tarazi  4 , M Renee Robinson  4 , Chavis A Patterson  5 , Kim Smith-Whitley  6 , Marie Stuart  7 , Lamia P Barakat  8
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Lessons Learned From a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Family-Based Intervention to Promote School Functioning for School-Age Children With Sickle Cell Disease

Lauren C Daniel et al. J Pediatr Psychol. 2015 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Objective: Tested a family-based group problem-solving intervention, "Families Taking Control," (FTC) to improve school functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQL) for children with sickle cell disease.

Method: Children and caregivers completed questionnaires assessing HRQL and school functioning and children completed performance-based measures of IQ and achievement at baseline and 6 months later. Families were randomized to the intervention (FTC, n = 42) or delayed intervention control (DIC, n = 41) group. FTC involved a full-day workshop followed by 3 booster calls.

Results: There were no differences between FTC completers (n = 24) and noncompleters (n = 18). FTC group (n = 24) and DIC group (n = 38) did not differ significantly on primary outcomes at follow-up: number of formal academic and disease-related accommodations, individualized education plan/504 service plan, school absences, school HRQL, or academic skills.

Conclusions: Although families found FTC to be acceptable, there were no intervention effects. Challenges of the trial and implications for future research are discussed.

Keywords: family-based intervention; randomized controlled trial; sickle cell disease.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Consort diagram. FTC = Families Taking Control Intervention group; DIC = Delayed Intervention Control group.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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