Moving toward implementation of a virtual coaching program for caregivers of young children with suspected developmental delays (CHILD-BRIGHT Coaching)

Contact

Hana MacDougall (RI-MUHC): hana.macdougall@muhc.mcgill.ca 

Principal Investigators

Annette Majnemer (McGill)
Maureen O’Donnell (University of British Columbia/PHSA)
Kristy Wittmeier (University of Manitoba)
André Bussières (McGill)
Carrie Costello (CHILD-BRIGHT)
Jillian Filliter (Dalhousie University)

Project summary

Families of preschool children with suspected developmental delays often are on waitlists for up to a year or longer for diagnosis and for early interventions. A virtual coaching program was developed by Canadian health care providers, researchers, and caregivers to empower families and provide caregivers with the skills needed to optimally support their child while they wait for services. This research project will study the various steps towards successful implementation of this program in four provinces across Canada, from enhancing the coaching program’s feasibility and acceptability by families and the provincial health systems, to working with clinicians and decision-makers to facilitate integration in the real-world setting.

Research theme: BRIGHT Prospects – Projects to bridge the gap between interventions and policy

Audience: Families of preschool children with suspected developmental delays.

Phase 1 study: BRIGHT Coaching: A Developmental Coach System to Empower Families of Preschoolers with Developmental Delays 

Project updates

2023-24

The CHILD-BRIGHT Coaching project has received research ethics approval of its study sites and are starting data collection and analysis. The team is studying the systemic and organizational barriers and facilitators to implementation and aims to develop tailored strategies and knowledge mobilization materials that will enhance the integration and sustainability of the BRIGHT Coaching program across diverse health care settings.