CBIRT Director Ann Glang, PhD gave two presentations at the Second International Conference on Paediatric Acquired Brain Injury in Rome, Italy, 20-23, September 2017.
Web-Based Interventions for Pediatric Brain Injury: Lessons Learned From 3 Randomized Control Trials
Abstract
Given the lack of specialized care and follow-up available in many communities across the world, the internet may provide an important tool for linking families of children with brain injuries with evidence-based training, information and state-of-the- art psychosocial care. Recent studies have examined the efficacy of web-based interventions that include tailored video-based training. With this approach, users actively interact with the materials rather than passively receiving information as with traditional print material or video instruction. In addition to offering an evidence-based and standardized approach, web-based interventions can reduce potential physical and psychological barriers (e.g., distance, scheduling and time constraints, and stigma). Findings from several recent studies suggest that web-based training is as effective as face-to-face training, with participants demonstrating increases in knowledge, skills, satisfaction, and engagement.
This presentation will provide an overview of 3 randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of web-delivered interventions for children with TBI. These include 2 training programs for educators supporting children with ABI: Transitions, training for teachers and parents supporting youth with TBI as they transition to adulthood and In the Classroom, a web-based training on TBI for educators working with school-age children. A third program, Brain Injury Partners, provides training on effective educational advocacy skills for parents of children with ABI.
Dr. Glang will discuss key findings and lessons learned in the development and evaluation of these interventions. The presentation will focus on challenges to developing efficacious and engaging web-based interventions. It will include an overview of the instructional design elements that lead to mastery of training content, including the use of video, graphic and animated media. A key focus of the presentation will focus on important elements of effective knowledge translation strategies for ensuring that web-based interventions reach parents, educators and children with ABI.
Supporting Educators in Working with Children with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Abstract
Following ABI the vast majority of children will return to mainstream schooling. For both parents and children, return to school marks a return to normality which can sometimes present challenges. This symposium will bring together research on return to school and reintegration into the school setting for children who experience all levels of injury severity, including concussion. Presenters will discuss the contextual factors which influence a successful return to school, including hospital-school communication, return to learn protocols, and brain injury education. The long-term outcomes of ABI on educational performance will also be discussed. The understanding of teaching staff and the need for changes to teacher training will be discussed from an international perspective. Practical strategies to support teachers in working with children with ABI together with work on educational interventions, will provide delegates with a unique learning opportunity. The symposium will include individual expert presentations and a panel discussion, employing multi-media based scenarios, to illustrate case studies and generate discussion and audience involvement.