What is the study about?
The study wants to find out if Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) could be offered over the internet or phone (remotely) to parents whose child with a learning disability has been referred to specialist mental health services.
VIG is not usually offered in specialist mental health services. Many services are thinking about offering VIG, so it is important to understand if remote VIG could improve access to support and if it is helpful for families.
The study is the first step in this journey.
If you have been invited to take part in this study, please watch this video to find out more:
To take part, contact Charmaine by phone: 07720 158 856 or email: VIG-LD@tavi-port.nhs.uk
Please note, you can only take part in this study if you have been invited to take part by a local service.
What is Video Interaction Guidance?
Video Interaction Guidance (VIG) is a way of looking at how a parent interacts and communicates with their child. A VIG therapist works with the parent to look together at videos of successful, positive moments between them and their child. The parent is supported to reflect and notice what they are doing that is making a difference in the way they are with their child. Support is personalised for each parent.
Here is a short video about VIG for more information.
How is VIG delivered remotely?
Instead of being at home or the clinic, the VIG therapist meets with the parent on a video call and takes a short recording of the parent and their child. A week later, the therapist and parent watch the recording together and talk about it. This happens three times at least. The VIG therapist might still meet with the parent face to face the first time they meet or if that’s your preference. Remote VIG was tested during COVID-19 and was found to work as well as face to face VIG.
What happens in this study?
- The research team collaborate with several specialist mental health services in England. These services will invite parents who have a child aged 6-12
- years old with a learning disability that has been referred to their service to take part in the study.
- Data are collected at three times during the study: parents provide information about themselves and their child by filling in a survey and by doing a
brief interview with a researcher. - Parents are assigned to one of two groups by chance: one group will be offered VIG plus the usual support their service would provide, and the other group will just receive their usual support.
- The study is currently underway, and results are expected to be available in 2025.
Co-production
Parent carers will be crucial in helping make the most of this research and ensuring that the research team create accessible materials. A parent carer advisory (PCA) group will work with the research team throughout the project to make key decisions, provide feedback, participate in creating study materials and collaborate on writing part of the final research paper.
The PCA group put together the above video to help explain what the VIGTM-LD study is, what taking part would look like and to introduce you to the researcher parents will meet. For any questions about the VIGTM-LD study, please email: VIG-LD@tavi-port.nhs.uk.
The Tavistock & Portman NHS Foundation Trust are collaborating on this project with Evelina Children’s Hospital, Cardiff Centre for Trials Research, Brighter Futures for Children (Reading County Council) and The Challenging Behaviour Foundation.