TY  - JOUR
AU  - Hodson, Nathan
AU  - Woods, Peter
AU  - Solano, Juan Luque
AU  - Talbot, Charlotte
AU  - Giacco, Domenico
PY  - 2024
DA  - 2024/9/5
TI  - Evaluating a Mobile App Supporting Evidence-Based Parenting Skills: Thematic Analysis of Parent Experience
JO  - JMIR Pediatr Parent
SP  - e53907
VL  - 7
KW  - digital microintervention
KW  - parenting app
KW  - product management
KW  - parent
KW  - parents
KW  - parenting
KW  - app
KW  - apps
KW  - usability
KW  - acceptability
KW  - family
KW  - families
KW  - interview
KW  - interviews
KW  - pediatric
KW  - pediatrics
KW  - child
KW  - children
KW  - youths
KW  - experience
KW  - experiences
KW  - attitude
KW  - attitudes
KW  - opinion
KW  - perception
KW  - perceptions
KW  - perspective
KW  - perspectives
KW  - acceptance
KW  - behavior
KW  - behaviors
KW  - disruptive behavior
KW  - thematic analysis
AB  - Background: Disruptive behavior disorders are among the most common disorders of childhood, and evidence-based parenting programs are the first-line treatment. Digital microinterventions have been proposed as one possible means of supporting parenting style change by giving parents in-the-moment advice about how to respond to challenging behavior. Until now, no digital microintervention supporting evidence-based parenting skills programs has been evaluated. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the subjective experience of parents using a digital microintervention to support evidence-based parenting skills, with particular attention to acceptability, usability, family relationships, and parents’ values. Methods: We conducted serial interviews with 11 parents of 33 children before and after spending 3 weeks using an app including 3 digital microinterventions. Parents were recruited via local authorities in the Midlands region of the United Kingdom. Previous participation in a parenting program was an inclusion criterion. Interviews explored family composition; child behavior problems; and experience of using the mobile app, including barriers to use. Thematic analysis was conducted from a user-centered design perspective, and illustrative case vignettes were produced. Results: Many parents used the app in ways that helped them rather than strictly following the instructions they were given. Parents described a range of barriers to using the app including practical problems and failure to change child behavior. Parents and children responded in a variety of ways to the use of the phone, with many wholeheartedly embracing the convenience of technology. Case vignettes illustrate the uniqueness of each family’s experience. Conclusions: Parents’ use of a mobile app supporting evidence-based parenting skills is difficult to predict due to the unique challenges each family encounters. Many parents found it an acceptable and helpful addition to family life, but increased personalization is likely to be key to supporting parents. Future digital microintervention developers should keep in mind that parents are likely to use the app pragmatically rather than following instructions, may struggle to use a complex app under pressure, and are likely to hold complex feelings about parenting with an app. 
SN  - 2561-6722
UR  - https://pediatrics.jmir.org/2024/1/e53907
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2196/53907
DO  - 10.2196/53907
ID  - info:doi/10.2196/53907
ER  -