3P Study

Remote delivery of the Group Triple P parenting programme: Optimisation and a Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® is an effective eight-week parenting programme which helps families with children under 12 build healthy relationships and confidently manage their children’s behaviour. Parenting and parent-child relationships play a key role in children’s social and emotional development.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group Triple P programme was quickly adapted to remote delivery using videoconferencing, (Zoom, WhatsApp). Using remote delivery may reduce barriers to some parents and caregivers joining the programme and lower the cost. However, the switch to remote delivery was made quickly, in extreme circumstances, and with rapid adaptations. As a result, it is still uncertain whether the positive effects of face-to-face interventions will result from remote delivery. The study team will focus on refining parent engagement, programme implementation, group functioning and dynamics, and practical aspects of remote delivery.

The 3P study will find out whether remote delivery can:

• Increase parent engagement and participation in the programme.
• Reach traditionally under-served groups.
• Reduce the cost of delivering the programme.
• Replicate the effectiveness of face-to-face delivery.

The study is being conducted with Triple P UK, group Triple P practitioners, parents/caregivers and children aged 8-12. Four local authority areas across Wales, England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will deliver both the face-to-face and remote versions of group Triple P to a total of around 96 parents split into two groups. Before the programme is delivered, questionnaire data will be collected from parents/carers and children aged 8-12. Questions will measure children’s behavioural and emotional problems; health; family relationships; parenting style and confidence; and wellbeing. These things will be measured again 16 weeks later after the programme is delivered. The study team will be looking to see if there are positive changes and whether there are any differences between the two groups.

The study team will interview some parents/carers and Triple P practitioners and trainers, and some sessions will be observed. Finally, the cost of the intervention will be calculated, and weighed up against any benefits to see if it provides good value for money. The study team will then decide if it is appropriate to proceed to a future large scale trial.

The study is funded by the Nuffield Foundation. The project website will provide summaries for academics, policy makers, parenting programme developers, and members of the public. The research team will publish their findings in journal articles and academic conferences to reach academic audiences.