Using Co-Design to Adapt a Digital Parenting Program for Parents Seeking Mental Health Support

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Parental mental health challenges are associated with parenting difficulties and child mental health issues. Parenting interventions can support families, however, parents with mental health challenges face barriers to accessing parenting support, which is not consistently offered within adult mental health settings. Embedding technology-assisted parenting programs into these settings could provide accessible, holistic support. Partners in Parenting Kids (PiP Kids) is a digital parenting program designed to prevent child anxiety and depression, yet its suitability for parents with mental health challenges and fit within mental health services remains unclear. This study aimed to co-design and adapt PiP Kids for implementation in an Australian adult mental health service. Methods: Parents who recently sought mental health support (n=8) and service providers (n=7) participated in co-design workshops to explore needs and preferences for a technology-assisted parenting program and iteratively develop a prototype. Parents (n=3) trialled the online component of the prototype and participated in qualitative interviews to assess acceptability. Results: The adapted clinician-supported program was designed to facilitate 1) parent and clinician readiness for parenting support, 2) emotional and social support for parents and clinicians, 3) practical, personalised parenting knowledge, 4) parent-led empowerment and 5) accessible, integrated support. Prototype clinician training was developed to strengthen the clinician-support component. Parents indicated acceptability of the online prototype while reiterating the value of including face-to-face support. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary support for adapting and embedding technology-assisted parenting programs within adult mental health settings. Findings highlight key considerations for developing and implementing technology-assisted interventions that promote family-focused care for parents seeking mental health support.

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