Caregiver Skills Training for Parenting Challenges

(CST Trial)

No longer recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Charmaine Stillano

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh

Disqualifiers: Non-English speakers

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 22

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the best way to train facilitators who assist parents of young children with developmental disabilities, such as autism, through a program called Caregiver Skills Training (CST). The study compares two training methods: remote sessions and in-person sessions. The goal is to determine which method better supports parents in reducing stress and improving their child's communication and social skills. Parents with a 2-9-year-old child with a developmental disability who can attend 12 sessions at one of the UPMC sites are well-suited for this trial. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for parents to contribute to research that could enhance support systems for similar families.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on training for caregivers, so it's unlikely to require changes to your medication routine.

What prior data suggests that this training method is safe for caregivers and children?

Research shows that the Caregiver Skills Training (CST) program is generally safe for participants. Studies have examined its effectiveness and ease of use, revealing positive results without major safety issues. The CST program is a well-known method designed to assist parents of children with developmental disabilities, focusing on improving communication and behavior.

No reports of negative effects have emerged from participating in CST. Participants typically find the program helpful and beneficial. Both online and in-person versions of CST have been tested, showing no significant safety differences between them. Although specific safety data for this trial is unavailable, the program's history and widespread use suggest it is well-tolerated and safe for caregivers and their children. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Caregiver Skills Training (CST) because it offers a new way to support caregivers dealing with parenting challenges. Unlike traditional in-person training programs, CST provides flexibility with both remote and face-to-face training options, making it more accessible and adaptable to different caregivers' needs. This approach not only focuses on equipping caregivers with practical skills but also provides ongoing supervision and support over a 12-week period. By offering different delivery methods and continuous support, CST aims to enhance caregiver effectiveness and improve family dynamics in a way that current options may not fully address.

What evidence suggests that Caregiver Skills Training is effective for parenting challenges?

Research shows that the Caregiver Skills Training (CST) program benefits parents of young children with developmental disabilities. Studies have found that CST reduces caregiver stress and improves child behavior by enhancing parents' skills and confidence. Autism Speaks and the World Health Organization developed the program to teach parents everyday skills to support their children's growth. In this trial, staff will receive either remote or face-to-face CST training. Both methods have shown significant positive effects on caregivers and their relationships with their children. This evidence supports CST as a valuable tool for improving outcomes for both caregivers and children. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Benjamin Handen, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Pittsburgh

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for parents of children aged 2-9 with developmental disabilities and/or autism, who can attend 12 sessions at one of the three UPMC sites. Participants must understand English as translation services are not available.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to be served by one of the three UPMC sites

I can attend 12 sessions, both at the clinic and virtually.

I am a parent of a child aged 2-9 with autism or a developmental disability.

Exclusion Criteria

My parents do not speak or understand English, and this study does not offer translation.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training

Facilitators receive 15 hours of training over 2-3 months to learn the CST model and gain proficiency in administration

8-12 weeks

10 sessions (90 minutes each)

Supervision

Facilitators receive 1 hour of supervision per week while conducting their first 12-session CST group

12 weeks

12 visits (1 hour each, either in-person or remote)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in caregiver stress and child communication/social skills

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Caregiver Skills Training (CST)

Trial Overview The study compares two methods of training caregivers using Caregiver Skills Training (CST). One group in rural areas will be trained remotely by University of Pittsburgh trainers, while another near Pittsburgh receives face-to-face training.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Remote staff training Active Control 1 Intervention

Staff will receive 15 hours of remote training followed by 12 weeks of remote supervision (one hour per week).

Group II: Face to face staff training Active Control 1 Intervention

Staff will receive 15 hours of face to face training followed by 12 weeks of face to face supervision (one hour per week).

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Pittsburgh

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,820

Recruited

16,360,000+

Autism Speaks

Collaborator

Trials

36

Recruited

3,800+

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36172515/

Acceptability and feasibility of the World Health ... This study explored the acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training Programme (WHO CST) in alternative delivery ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06038799

Study Details | NCT06038799 | Caregiver Skills Training: ... Caregiver Skills Training (CST) is an evidence-based intervention for parents of young children with developmental disabilities that was developed through a ...

3. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.915263/full

Acceptability and feasibility of the World Health ... This study explored the acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training Programme (WHO CST) in alternative delivery ...

4. advancedautism.com advancedautism.com/post/the-benefits-of-parent-training-in-reducing-caregiver-stress

The Benefits of Parent Training in Reducing Caregiver Stress Evidence-based parent training programs significantly impact caregiver stress and child behavior by enhancing parents' empowerment, competency, ...

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9203722/

Positive Effects of the Caregiver Skill Training Program on ... Education and mastering specific skills can significantly improve the mental health of caregivers, the caregiver-child relationship and the process of adapting ...

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-parenting-8-2023-8ca8a

Caregiver Skills Training for Parenting Challenges (CST ... Outcome measures will include assessment of change in caregiver stress and didactic skills ... face-to-face CST sessions with remote CST sessions were compared.

7. autismspeaks.org autismspeaks.org/caregiver-skills-training-program

Caregiver Skills Training Program The evidence-based CST program teaches parents and caregivers the day-to-day skills they need to help their children reach their full potential.

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9511500/

Acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's ... This study explored the acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training Programme (WHO CST) in alternative delivery ...

9. who.int who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/treatment-care/who-caregivers-skills-training-for-families-of-children-with-developmental-delays-and-disorders

Caregiver Skills Training (developmental delays/disabilities) Caregiver Skills Training (CST) is a five-part package with nine group sessions and three home visits, focusing on using play and routines for enhanced ...