Work

A service evaluation of Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS): Comparing online versus in-person group outcomes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aims and method Early Positive Approaches to Support (E-PAtS) is a co-produced group intervention supporting family carers of children (0–5 years) with additional developmental needs. This study compared online ( n = 10) and in-person ( n = 11) groups to investigate whether mode of delivery was associated with different outcomes. Participants were 98 family carers reporting on their mental well-being, self-efficacy, child symptoms and knowledge pre and post intervention. Generalised estimating equations compared outcomes between groups, controlling for group cluster effects. Results Mental well-being improved significantly across both groups ( d = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.63), as did an in-session measure concerning mechanisms of change ( d = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.59) and all other assessed outcomes. There were no significant differences in measured outcomes between online and in-person groups. Clinical implications Establishing the equivalence of in-person with online groups is an important first step for improving service reach and support access for families of children with additional developmental needs.

Source: BJPsych Bulletin

DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2025.10181

Authors: Hannah Newton, Emma Johnston, Nick Gore, Caitlin A. Williams, Vaso Totsika, Jill Bradshaw

Institutions: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, University of Birmingham, University College London, The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

Language: English

Topic: Family and Disability Support Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: University College London