Parent and pediatric nurse practitioner views on integrating the digital TELL tool intervention into clinical practice

Purpose

To understand the views of parent participants in our larger pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) about the Tool to Empower Parental TeLling and TaLking or the TELL Tool, a digital, psychoeducational and decision-support intervention; and to foster understanding about how pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) viewed integrating the TELL Tool into pediatric clinical settings.

Design and methods

In this qualitative descriptive study, a purposive sample of 10 parents and 10 PNPs completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews by Zoom. The recordings were auto transcribed, checked for accuracy, and analyzed for themes. The rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique was incorporated into the analytic plan.

Results

Five themes emerged following analysis, including Perceptions, Optimal Time for Delivery, Most Appropriate Healthcare Provider to Counsel Parents about Disclosure, Challenges to Administering in Practice, and Recommendations for Implementing the TELL Tool into Pediatric Healthcare Settings.

Conclusions

Parents found the TELL Tool to be helpful and PNPs were supportive of incorporating the TELL Tool into clinical practice. Parents thought the TELL Tool increased their confidence about sharing information and appreciated its age-appropriate approach and language. PNPs perceived the tool as supporting their ability to provide anticipatory guidance and counseling/education to families seeking support in beginning and subsequent conversations with their children about their genetic origins.

Practice implications

The TELL Tool is an evidence-based intervention that can serve as a resource for PNPs while supporting parents as they navigate challenges about talking with their children about their genetic origins through gamete and embryo donation.