iLook Out for Child Abuse: An Innovative Learning Module for Childcare Providers (iLookOut)

Penn State Health

Status: Completed

Conditions: Child Abuse

Treatments: Other: iLook Out for Child Abuse

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other; NIH

Identifiers

NCT03185728

R01HD088448-01 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)

IRB-4740

Details and patient eligibility

About

This five-year study aims to improve childcare provider (CCP) reporting of suspected child abuse by means of an online learning module, iLook Out for Child Abuse. Using an interactive, video-based story-line (along with follow-up activities), iLookOut engages CCPs emotionally and intellectually to take the first step in addressing the epidemic of child abuse -which in the U.S. claims >680,000 confirmed victims annually. The consequences of child abuse can be devastating and long-lasting. The purpose of this study is to establish an evidence-based intervention that can help those who care for young children recognize and report suspected child abuse before irreparable harm occurs.

Full description

This 5-year study will evaluate the efficacy of an innovative educational intervention, iLook Out for Child Abuse (iLookOut) for increasing rates of accurate child abuse reporting. Grounded in an Experiential Learning conceptual model, iLookOut is a multi-media, online intervention that engages learners emotionally and intellectually through an interactive, video-based story-line that provides education, challenges learners with decision-points, and gives critical feedback. iLookOut uses "gamification" strategies to promote experiential learning through simulation, problem-solving, and practice opportunities to apply new information and understanding. It also will include follow-up activities that promote retention and integration of new knowledge, as well as help CCPs to remain aware and engaged.

Prior studies have demonstrated that iLookOut significantly improves CCP knowledge and attitudes about reporting suspected child abuse, and is very well received by CCPs. To evaluate its impact on actual reporting behavior, the proposed research will randomize CCP sites in southern Maine (total = ~1,300) to receive iLookOut, Standard training, or Control (no intervention).

The primary goal is to increase the number of CCP reports for which either child abuse is confirmed or social services (e.g., therapeutic services, nutritional assistance) are recommended -as these are the kinds of reports that are likely to actually benefit a child.

The secondary goal is to decrease the proportion of reports that don't offer such benefit, and in particular to decrease costs to the state associated with intake and investigation of non-beneficial reports.

Enrollment: 2,059 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Works or volunteers at a childcare facility in Maine (i.e., home-based childcare, childcare center, Head Start facility, nursery school, pre-school)
• 18 years of age or older

Exclusion criteria

• Does not work or volunteer at a childcare facility in Maine
• Under 18 years of age

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Sequential Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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2,059 participants in 3 patient groups

iLookOut

Experimental group

Description:

Online, interactive learning program developed by study team.

Treatment:

Other: iLook Out for Child Abuse

Standard

Active Comparator group

Description:

Online mandated reporter training developed by the state of Maine during Y1, then recruited to complete iLookOut during Y2 and Y3.

Treatment:

Other: iLook Out for Child Abuse

Control

No Intervention group

Description:

No active recruitment or incentivizing of participants to complete any training on mandated reporting during Y1 and Y2, then recruited to complete iLookOut during Y3.