(PACT):The Parent Perspective V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT): from a randomised controlled trial to a community clinical setting. The Parent Perspective
IRAS ID
270383
Contact name
Mary-Anne Pasteur
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bangor University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disability in which core impairments in language, communication and reciprocal social interaction have a profound influence on children's social development into adulthood. Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT) is a theory based, parent-mediated and video-aided intervention designed to improve social communication competencies in children with emerging or diagnosed autism spectrum disorders. This study aims to investigate the implementation of evidence-based practice in a community setting of Paediatric Autism Communication Therapy (PACT). Although a highly controlled randomised trial has evidenced the treatment efficacy of the PACT programme, currently no studies to date have evaluated the implementation of PACT within a community clinical setting. Furthermore, differences exist between the randomised controlled trial and how it has been delivered within a clinical setting in BCUHB. An implementation study is necessary to understand how PACT is applied in a different setting to that of the RCT, particularly relating to how delivery is achieved, what is being delivered, participant acceptability of the programme and contextual factors. This will help practitioners to improve their service delivery and improve quality of patient intervention.
The study is qualitative and will interview parents who participated in PACT so they can share their experience of receiving PACT, their barriers and facilitators to working with a clinician and engaging in the programme. A focus group will be undertaken with PACT clinicians and the evaluation of implementation of the programme will be analysed. These will be conducted on NHS premises or in the participants homes.
The study will be completed by Agust 2020. The study is funded by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) in conjunction with Bangor University. Participants will be recruited from service users from the IMPACT team who have either been invited and not participated or completed the PACT programme.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1817
Date of REC Opinion
18 Nov 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion