Archive | 2021
The World Health Organisation’s Caregiver Skills Training Programme for Autism and Developmental Disorders: Adapting and Pretesting in Hong Kong
Abstract
\n Background The World Health Organisation Caregiver Skills Training programme (WHO-CST) was developed to strengthen a caregiver’s skills in supporting their child’s development and the caregiver’s well-being. The WHO-CST Hong Kong (HK) was adapted to support families with children suspected of having autism spectrum disorder (ASD) while the families were waiting for a confirmed diagnosis.Aim This sequential mixed methods study aimed to explore the adaptation process, using a formative qualitative method. It assessed the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived benefits of the WHO-CST, using caregivers’ qualitative and quantitative prepost feedback.Methods Data examined included (1) two consultation meetings with stakeholders; (2) a detailed review of translated and adapted WHO-CST HK materials by Master Trainees (MTs) (n\u2009=\u200910) trained by WHO representatives; (3) need assessment focus group interviews with caregivers (n\u2009=\u200915) of children with ASD; and (4) prepost CST programme qualitative focus group interviews and quantitative evaluation (n\u2009=\u200911).Results Consultation with stakeholders suggested that the programme is acceptable for the local community, but the home visit and fidelity components were initially considered to be challenges for the feasibility and sustainability of the programme. Thematic analyses of the focus group interview with caregivers generated six subthemes from preprogramme focus group interviews and five subthemes from postprogramme focus group interviews. The programme was reported to be helpful for caregivers’ skills development and for aiding children’s verbal and social skills development. There was also improvement in caregivers’ mental health after completing the programme.Conclusion The prepilot evaluation findings of WHO-CST HK indicate that it is feasible and acceptable to implement the programme in a metropolitan area where families have busy working schedules. The findings indicate potential programme developments for supporting families in communities in high income countries.