Acceptability and Feasibility of Text Message Interface to Assess Parents' Real-time PICU Experiences

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) care
• Parental psychological well-being
• Digital health interventions

Background:

• Parents in the PICU experience significant stress, with perceived illness severity impacting psychological outcomes.
• Existing tools do not capture real-time parental experiences in the PICU.
• There is a need for accessible methods to monitor parental well-being during critical illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a novel text-based tool for measuring parental experiences in the PICU.
• To assess the usability and satisfaction with the text-based interface.
• To explore the potential of this tool in identifying at-risk parents.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving parents of children in the PICU.
• Implementation of a text-based survey system for real-time and longitudinal data collection.
• Feasibility assessed by response rates; acceptability by survey feedback and interviews.

Main Results:

• The text-based tool demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among parents.
• High completion rates for surveys during hospitalization and up to 6 months post-discharge.
• Participants reported ease of use, satisfaction, comfort, and benefit from the system.

Conclusions:

• A text-based interface is a viable method for assessing parental experiences in the PICU.
• This tool has the potential to identify parents at risk for adverse psychological outcomes.
• Further research can guide the integration of this tool for timely supportive interventions.