Virtual Car Seat Installation Program Evaluation: Parent Satisfaction and Installation Accuracy

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of preventable death in the United States, but properly used child safety seats significantly reduce the risk of injury and mortality. In-person car safety seat installation programs were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting the development of virtual alternatives. However, the effectiveness of these virtual installation programs remains unknown.

The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual car seat installation and safety check program on parental satisfaction, perceived value, confidence, and correct child safety seat installation.

This single-center retrospective cohort study was conducted over 2 years (2020-2022) at a Level I pediatric trauma center in the Northeastern United States for parents participating in child safety seat programs. The pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of virtual car seat installation and safety checks on parental self-reported satisfaction, perceived value, and confidence levels before and after the intervention.

A total of n = 375 study participants received the intervention and follow-up surveys, with n = 129 respondents completing the survey for a 34% response rate. The study included child safety seats from 18 manufacturers and vehicles representing 25 brands. Before the intervention, 57% of parents reported the inability to install their child's safety seat safely. Following intervention, 100% of parents achieved proper car seat installation (p < .0001).

We found that offering a virtual car seat installation and verification program is a viable option when in-person options are not feasible.