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Measuring Our Impact: Validation of a Parenting Self-Efficacy Outcome Tool for Caregivers Participating in
Karen Nitsche1, Bridget Pieterse1, Nicky Lawrence1
1Child Development Service, Child and Adolescent Health Service, Perth, W.A., Australia.
Background:
Evidence suggests that higher levels of parenting self-efficacy (PSE) result in positive caregiver-child interactions and improved developmental outcomes for children. Currently, there are few PSE tools specific to the domain of parenting a child with a developmental concern that are also applicable to a wide clinical cohort and range of multidisciplinary services.
Aim:
This study aimed to develop and validate an outcome measurement tool to determine change in PSE for caregivers who participate in developmental interventions with their child. The development of a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) value was a secondary aim.
Methods:
Based on existing literature, and clinician and consumer consultation, the SET and GO, a parenting Self-Efficacy Tool for Gathering Outcomes of developmental interventions, was developed. This nine-item retrospective pretest-posttest scale was validated with 204 caregivers at service discharge. Participants were predominantly mothers (91.7%) caring for children (average age of 5.7 years) presenting with a range of developmental concerns who had participated in intervention with one or more of a range of clinical disciplines.
Results:
Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the SET and GO is a unidimensional tool with good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.94 and 0.93), strong test-retest reliability (quadratic weighted kappa = 0.80 and 0.76), and adequate construct validity. Ceiling effects were noted in some individual item "now" scores. A preliminary MCID value of ≥7 was established using a distribution-based method.
Conclusion:
The SET and GO is a valid and reliable outcome measurement tool suitable for use with a wide range of caregivers taking part in developmental interventions with their child. Future research with a larger sample will allow investigations into the validity of using the tool with specific populations, and further refinement of the MCID value.
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