Strength-based technology clubs for autistic adolescents: A feasibility study.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Jones M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9897531 | biostudies-literature | 2023
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Strength-based technology clubs for autistic adolescents: A feasibility study.
Jones Matthew M Milbourn Benjamin B Falkmer Marita M Tan Tele T Bölte Sven S Girdler Sonya S
PloS one 20230203 2
Strength-based technology clubs are thought to help autistic adolescents transition to adulthood by developing positive traits, enhancing technical skills, and creating supportive networks. A newly developed strength-based technology club was delivered to 25 autistic adolescents, with the feasibility tested via qualitative and quantitative methods. Autistic adolescents, their parents, and club facilitators participated in separate focus groups, with audio data transcribed and thematically analyz ...[more]
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Project description:Rationale & objectiveGroup-based care provides an opportunity to increase patient access to providers without increasing physician time and is effective in the management of chronic diseases in the general population. This model of care has not been investigated in chronic kidney disease (CKD).Study designRandomized controlled trial in adults (n = 50); observational study in adolescents (n = 10).Setting & participantsAdults and adolescents with CKD and hypertension in the Bronx, NY.InterventionGroup-based care (monthly sessions over 6 months) versus usual care in adults. All adolescents received group-based care and were analyzed separately.OutcomesParticipant attendance and satisfaction with group-based care were used to evaluate intervention feasibility. The primary clinical outcome was change in mean 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure. Secondary outcomes included physical activity, medication adherence, quality of life, and sodium intake as assessed by 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and food frequency questionnaires.ResultsAmong adults randomly assigned to group-based care, attendance was high (77% of participants attended ≥3 sessions) and most reported higher satisfaction. Mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure decreased by -4.2 (95% CI, -13.3 to 5.8) mm Hg in group-based care patients compared with usual care at 6 months but this was not statistically significant. Similarly, we did not detect significant differences in health-related behaviors (such as medication adherence, sodium intake, and physical activity) or quality-of-life measures between the 2 groups. Among the adolescents, attendance was very poor; self-reported satisfaction, although high, did not change from baseline compared with the 6-month follow-up.LimitationsSmall study size, missing data.ConclusionsGroup-based care is feasible and acceptable among adults with hypertension and CKD. However, a larger trial is needed to determine the effect on blood pressure and health-related behaviors. Patient participation may limit the effectiveness of group-based care models in adolescents.FundingNational Institutes of Health R34 DK102174.Trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT02467894.
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