Foundations for attachment for children in care: a feasibility and acceptability study of a group-based caregiver programme

Methods

This mixed methods study did not use a control group. Recruitment, retention and completion rates of outcomes measures, as well as participant feedback, were used to evaluate feasibility and acceptability. Standardised outcome measures were completed at baseline, post-intervention, and one-month follow-up.

Descriptive statistics and the Reliable Change Index were used to evaluate the suitability of the measures. Brief content analysis was used to evaluate open-ended qualitative questions related to the acceptability of the intervention. <br><br>Results: There was substantial attrition from the opt-in to the completion of the baseline measures, with further attrition at the post-intervention and follow-up time points. Content analysis of participant feedback suggested the intervention was acceptable, although outcome measures were identified as time-consuming.

The outcome measures were ineffective in capturing individual-level change.<br>Conclusions: This feasibility study highlights key challenges in recruitment and retention that must be addressed in future trials. The outcome measures used in this study warrant reconsideration in a future trial. Intervention research of this kind is important as targeted interventions for this group are needed. <br><br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31st December 2028.</i>