Longitudinal, Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Recovery and Added Benefit of a Behavioral Health Intervention for Children With Abusive Head Trauma
Condition: Non-Accidental Traumatic Head Injury to Child
MeSH terms: Craniocerebral Trauma
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Family dynamics and caregiver responses to a child with traumatic brain injury are implicated
      both as precipitating events as well as factors influencing outcomes of abusive head trauma
      (AHT). However, no family behavioral health intervention exists to meet the unique needs of
      families with infants and very young children with AHT. The study was initially designed as a
      randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess the efficacy of an evidence-based behavioral
      intervention to improve outcomes for families and children with AHT. However, rates of
      recruitment were so low that the investigators and funder amended the study to be
      intervention only (with IRB approval). At that time, there were five participants and only
      one had been assigned to the intervention arm. Only one additional family was recruited, and
      that family did not complete study measures prior to the time at which the intervention would
      start and did not receive the intervention. The investigators did examine outcomes in
      multiple dimensions, including clinical, cognitive, family, caregiver, child behavior, and
      service usage over time but connot compare to patients not receiving the intervention. The
      investigators were not able to examine characteristics of patients and families best suited
      for this behavioral health intervention.
    

Detailed description: 
      27 children (ages 3 months to 2 years) and their caregiver referred to the Non-Accidental
      Brain Injury Care Clinic at the Children's Hospital Colorado (CHCO) were recruited for
      participation in the study, 7 families consented. One family received the Attachment and
      Biobehavioral (ABC) intervention. One family discontinued participation. The data collection
      schedule was 1 month post-injury, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. Outcomes in
      multiple dimensions, were assessed including clinical recovery, cognitive, language, and
      motor functioning, family functioning, caregiver mental health including anxiety, depression,
      competency, and stress. The investigators also examined service use over time. Analyses will
      assess trajectories of recovery for both groups using data for all time points.
    

Intervention name(s): Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC)
Intervention type(s): Behavioral
Intervention description(s): Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC) is an in-home, 10-session, manualized parent-training program for children ages 6 months through 2 years who have experienced early adversity. ABC utilizes parent-child interactions to enhance positive interactions with the child through live coaching with particular focus on nurturing behaviors, following the child's lead, non-frightening behaviors. These behaviors include appropriate soothing and comforting when a child is distressed, responding to or imitating a child in a contingent way, and displaying warmth.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Investigator)
Primary purpose: Supportive Care