Optimisation and feasibility of Triple P parenting programme for remote delivery

This project will assess the feasibility of remote delivery of the Group Triple P parenting programme.

Group Triple P is an effective eight-week parenting programme which helps families with children under 12 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. Permanently using remote delivery may reduce barriers to some parents’ participation 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.

Aims and approach

The project aims to:

1. Optimise the Group Triple P programme and practitioner guidance for remote delivery.
2. Explore implementation of remote Group Triple P and assess acceptability to practitioners and parents.
3. Assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled trial of Group Triple P when it is delivered remotely compared to face-to-face delivery.

The research will be conducted with Triple P UK, Group Triple P practitioners, and parents. The research team will focus on refining parent engagement, programme implementation, group functioning and dynamics, and practical aspects of remote delivery.

Four local authority areas across rural and urban localities will deliver both the face-to-face and optimised remote versions of Group Triple P to a total of around 96 parents. Baseline and post-intervention questionnaires will measure child outcomes, digital access, and the acceptability of remote delivery. Interviews will further explore experiences and the feasibility of collecting child-reported outcomes will be assessed.

Outcomes

The research will determine whether remote delivery can:

• Increase parent engagement and participation in the programme.
• Reach traditionally under-served groups.
• Reduce the cost of delivering the programme.
• Replicate the effectiveness of face-to-face delivery.

The project website will provide summaries for academics, policy makers, parenting programme developers, and members of the public. The research team will publish their findings in journal articles and academic conferences to reach academic audiences.