The 3P Study: Optimisation and feasibility of Triple P parenting programme for remote delivery
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN81494090 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN81494090 |
- Submission date
- 20/06/2023
- Registration date
- 19/09/2023
- Last edited
- 16/12/2024
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Other
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® is an effective eight-week parenting programme which helps families with children under 12 years old 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 aims to optimise remote delivery, with a focus on parent engagement, programme implementation, group functioning and dynamics, and practical aspects of remote delivery. The 3P study aims to assess the feasibility of conducting a non-randomised controlled trial of Group Triple P when it is delivered remotely via video-conferencing platforms (Zoom, WhatsApp) compared to face-to-face Group Triple P.
Who can participate?
The study is being conducted with Triple P UK, group Triple P practitioners, parents/caregivers and children aged 8-12 years old. 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.
What does the study involve?
Before the programme is delivered, questionnaire data will be collected from parents/carers and children aged 8-12 years old. Questions will measure children’s behavioural and emotional problems; health; family relationships; parenting style and confidence; and well-being. 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.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There are no direct benefits to taking part. However, by hearing about the experiences of families, the study team hope to be able to provide advice on the best ways to deliver remote Group Triple P and design future studies to test the differences between remote and face-to-face Group Triple P. Taking part in this study does require some time and participants may find some of the questions that are asked are sensitive. However, there are no other risks to taking part in the study.
Where is the study run from?
The study is being organised and led by researchers at Cardiff University and the University of Oxford (UK). The Chief Investigator is Jeremy Segrott, School of Medicine, Cardiff University. Stavros Petrou is leading the team at the University of Oxford (UK).
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
March 2023 to April 2025
Who is funding the study?
Nuffield Foundation (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Dr Elinor Coulman, Study manager, 3PStudy@cardiff.ac.uk (UK)
Contact information
Principal Investigator
Centre for Trials Research
Cardiff University
4th Floor Neuadd Meirionnydd
Heath Park
Cardiff
CF14 4YS
United Kingdom
 ORCID ID |
0000-0001-6215-0870 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +44 29208 70216 |
| SegrottJ@cardiff.ac.uk |
Scientific
Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences
University of Oxford
Radcliffe Observatory Quarter
Woodstock Road
Oxford
OX2 6GG
United Kingdom
| ORCID ID |
0000-0003-3121-6050 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +44 (0)1865 289503 |
| stavros.petrou@phc.ox.ac.uk |
Public
Trial Manager
Centre for Trials Research
Cardiff University
4th Floor, Neuadd Meirionnydd
Heath Park
Cardiff
CF14 4YS
United Kingdom
| ORCID ID |
0000-0002-0015-3942 |
|---|---|
| Phone | +44(0)29 20687624 |
| 3PStudy@cardiff.ac.uk |
Study information
| Study design | Multisite interventional optimisation and feasibility non-randomized trial |
|---|---|
| Primary study design | Interventional |
| Secondary study design | Non randomised study |
| Study setting(s) | Built environment/local authority, Community, Home, Telephone |
| Study type | Other, Quality of life |
| Participant information sheet | Not available in web format, please use the contact details to request a participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | The 3P Study: Remote delivery of the group Triple P parenting programme: Optimisation and a feasibility non-randomised trial |
| Study acronym | The 3P Study |
| Study objectives | Current study hypothesis as of 29/01/2024: 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 parent engagement, programme implementation, group functioning and dynamics, and practical aspects of remote delivery and decide if it is appropriate to proceed to a future large-scale definitive trial. Current study hypothesis as of 20/12/2023 to 29/01/2024: 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 parent engagement, programme implementation, group functioning and dynamics, and practical aspects of remote delivery and decide if it is appropriate to proceed to a future large-scale randomised controlled trial. Previous study hypothesis: 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 and decide if it is appropriate to proceed to a future large scale randomised controlled trial. |
| Ethics approval(s) |
Approved 21/09/2023, The School of Medicine, Research Ethics Committee, Cardiff University (Cardiff University Main Building Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, United Kingdom; +44 (0)29 2087 4000; Medic_REC@cardiff.ac.uk), ref: SMREC 23/40 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Positive parenting for parents/caregivers of children aged 0-12 years old. |
| Intervention | Current interventions as of 29/01/2024: Triple P teams will consult with parents and caregivers, and practitioners will allocate participants to receive either face-to-face or remote delivery of the intervention. All participants will receive the intervention programme. Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) is an evidence-based, multi–level system comprising five levels of parenting and family support interventions. Level 4 Group Triple P is a broad-based parenting programme for parents of children up to the age of 12. It helps parents develop strategies to build healthy relationships and confidently manage their children’s behaviour. Parents participate in activities to learn about the causes of child behaviour problems, set specific goals, and use strategies to promote child development and manage misbehaviour. Group delivery enables parents to learn from each other, creating peer support and reinforcing programme messages. The programme is delivered over eight weeks to groups of up to 12 parents and comprises five (2-hour) group sessions and three (15-30 minute) individual telephone consultations. These assist families with independent problem-solving while practising the skills at home. Delivery of the programme is conducted by trained practitioners in local authorities (LAs) or independent community providers, who take responsibility for implementation costs and parent recruitment. Triple P UK (TPUK) provides implementation support. Face-to-face and the remote programmes will be delivered by the same LA/community team and may be the same practitioner. Practitioners will have received intervention training and will receive study-specific training. If delivered face-to-face, the intervention will be delivered in suitable rooms arranged by Local Authorities/community practitioners. Current interventions as of 20/12/2023 to 29/01/2024: In the two randomised sites, participants will be randomised on a 1:1 basis for either face-to-face or remote delivery of the intervention. Simple blocked randomisation stratified by the site will be carried out via an online system. In the other two non-randomised sites, Triple P teams will consult with parents and caregivers, and practitioners will allocate participants to receive either face-to-face or remote delivery of the intervention. All participants will receive the intervention programme. Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) is an evidence-based, multi–level system comprising five levels of parenting and family support interventions. Level 4 Group Triple P is a broad-based parenting programme for parents of children up to the age of 12. It helps parents develop strategies to build healthy relationships and confidently manage their children’s behaviour. Parents participate in activities to learn about the causes of child behaviour problems, set specific goals, and use strategies to promote child development and manage misbehaviour. Group delivery enables parents to learn from each other, creating peer support and reinforcing programme messages. The programme is delivered over eight weeks to groups of up to 12 parents and comprises five (2-hour) group sessions and three (15-30 minute) individual telephone consultations. These assist families with independent problem-solving while practising the skills at home. Delivery of the programme is conducted by trained practitioners in local authorities (LAs) or independent community providers, who take responsibility for implementation costs and parent recruitment. Triple P UK (TPUK) provides implementation support. Face-to-face and the remote programmes will be delivered by the same LA/community team and may be the same practitioner. Practitioners will have received intervention training and will receive study-specific training. If delivered face-to-face, the intervention will be delivered in suitable rooms arranged by Local Authorities/community practitioners. Previous interventions: Participants will be randomised on a 1:1 basis to either face-to-face or remote delivery of the intervention. Simple blocked randomisation stratified by the site will be carried out via an online system. Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) is an evidence-based, multi–level system comprising five levels of parenting and family support interventions. Level 4 Group Triple P is a broad-based parenting programme for parents of children up to the age of 12. It helps parents develop strategies to build healthy relationships and confidently manage their children’s behaviour. Parents participate in activities to learn about the causes of child behaviour problems, set specific goals, and use strategies to promote child development and manage misbehaviour. Group delivery enables parents to learn from each other, creating peer support and reinforcing programme messages. The programme is delivered over eight weeks to groups of up to 12 parents and comprises five (2-hour) group sessions and three (15-30 minute) individual telephone consultations. These assist families with independent problem-solving while practising the skills at home. Delivery of the programme is conducted by trained practitioners in local authorities (LAs), who take responsibility for implementation costs and parent recruitment. Triple P UK (TPUK) provides implementation support. Face-to-face and remote programme will be delivered by the same LA team and may be the same Facilitator. Facilitators will have received intervention training and will receive study-specific training. If delivered face-to-face, the intervention will be delivered in suitable rooms arranged by Local Authorities. |
| Intervention type | Behavioural |
| Primary outcome measure | Children’s behavioural and emotional problems measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at baseline and 12 weeks follow-up |
| Secondary outcome measures | The following secondary outcome measures are assessed at baseline and 12 weeks follow-up: 1. Reduced lax or overreactive parenting measured using the Arnold and O’Leary Parenting Scale (APS) Positive parenting 2. Parent-child relationship, family relationship and parental teamwork measured using the Triple P and Family Adjustment Scales (PAFAS) 3. Parental confidence measured using the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale 4. Parental well-being measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) 5. Demographics (age, sex, gender, ethnicity, educational qualifications, postcode (for the index of multiple deprivations) occupational status, family and household composition) are measured using appropriate questions 6. Parent health-related quality of life measured using the EuroQol EQ-5D-5L 7. Health economics resource use measured using the Adapted Client Service Receipt Inventory CSRI) 8. Child Health measured using the Utility 9 Dimension Instrument 9. Childrens health measured using the CHU9D proxy Child (8–12-year-olds) 10. Children’s behavioural and emotional problems measured using the Me and My Feelings Questionnaire 11. Health and family relationships measured using the Kidscreen 27 12. Child health-related quality of life measured using the EQ-5D-Y |
| Overall study start date | 01/03/2023 |
| Completion date | 30/04/2025 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Service user |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | Both |
| Target number of participants | 96 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Parent/caregiver (biological, step, adoptive, foster) of at least one child aged 0-12 years old 2. Eligible to attend the Triple P parenting programme 3. Spend a substantial part of each week actively caring for the child they are attending the programme for 4. Aged > 18 years old 5. Sufficient spoken English to attend the intervention, consent and complete outcome measures over the telephone/via Zoom |
| Key exclusion criteria | Previous attendance at a Level 4 Group Triple P parenting programme |
| Date of first enrolment | 15/09/2023 |
| Date of final enrolment | 31/07/2024 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- Wales
Study participating centre
7th Floor
Neuadd Meirionnydd
Heath Park
Cardiff
CF14 4YS
United Kingdom
Sponsor information
University/education
Research and Innovation Services
McKenzie House, 7th Floor
30-36 Newport Road
Cardiff
CF24 9DE
Wales
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 (0)2920875834 |
|---|---|
| resgov@cardiff.ac.uk | |
| Website | http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/ |
"ROR" |
https://ror.org/03kk7td41 |
Funders
Funder type
Charity
Private sector organisation / Trusts, charities, foundations (both public and private)
- Location
- United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Intention to publish date | 31/10/2025 |
|---|---|
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
| IPD sharing plan summary | Data sharing statement to be made available at a later date |
| Publication and dissemination plan | The main study results and process evaluation findings will be published in high impact journals and a report to the funder at the end of the study. The Nuffield Foundation project website will provide summaries for academics, policy makers, parenting programme developers, and members of the public. |
| IPD sharing plan | The data-sharing plans for the current study are unknown and will be made available at a later date. |
Editorial Notes
16/12/2024: The overall end date was changed from 31/03/2025 to 30/04/2025.
04/11/2024: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. The overall end date was changed from 31/10/2024 to 31/03/2025.
2. The recruitment end date was changed from 31/03/2024 to 31/07/2024.
29/01/2024: The following changes were made:
1. The scientific title was changed from "The 3P Study: Remote delivery of the group Triple P parenting programme: Optimisation and a feasibility randomised controlled trial" to "The 3P Study: Remote delivery of the group Triple P parenting programme: Optimisation and a feasibility non-randomised trial".
2. The study hypothesis was changed.
3. The study design was changed from "Multisite interventional optimisation and feasibility randomized controlled trial" to "Multisite interventional optimisation and feasibility non-randomized trial".
4. The secondary study design was changed from "randomised parallel study" to "non-randomised study".
5. The interventions were changed.
20/12/2023: The following changes were made after a substantial amendment submitted on 16/10/2023 to facilitate the recruitment of two randomised sites and two non-randomised sites was approved on 15/11/2023:
1. ORCID ID added.
2. The study hypothesis was changed.
3. Approval date added to the ethics field.
4. The interventions were changed.
5. The overall study end date was changed from 31/07/2024 to 31/10/2024.
6. The recruitment end date was changed from 31/12/2023 to 31/03/2024.
7. The intention to publish date was changed from 31/07/2025 to 31/10/2025.
03/10/2023: The sponsor details were updated.
29/08/2023: Trial's existence confirmed by the Nuffield Foundation (Funder).
