O02 Kids in control: development and assessment of a 3 part virtual behavioural intervention programme to reduce scratching in children with atopic eczema.

Abstract

Eczema, an itchy skin condition, affects up to 20% of children. Habitual scratching/chronic itch-scratch cycle promotes inflammation, infection, affects sleep and causes psycho-social distress. Habit reversal has been used to reduce scratching and improve eczema but randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence is limited, particularly in children, and no RCTs have utilised virtual interventions. The Kids in Control (KIC) MDT team was awarded a UKDCTN themed research grant to develop and assess the acceptability, usability, and feasability of a virtual behavioural intervention for children aged 8-12 with itchy eczema. Existing educational and intervention materials were refined to a virtual 3 part programme designed to increase eczema understanding, scratching awareness and change scratching behaviour. Using the person based approach to intervention development a bespoke KIC website was built and parents/children were invited to participate in qualitative think-aloud interviews (nationally via Eczema Outreach Support and National Eczema Society) designed to ensure the intervention was acceptable, meaningful, and optimally engaging. A balanced group of 8 children/parents participated in individual, transcribed think aloud interviews and then a table of changes and thematic analysis was completed. Key themes explored were engaging material, willingness to try it, self efficacy, relatability, eczema impact, parent facilitation and understanding the material. Key changes were made and the modified KIC was explored in a transcribed virtual focus group of 4 children/parents. Analysis of key themes enabled further changes resulting in a 3 part optimally engaging virtual behaviour intervention programme ready for further evaluation in a trial setting.