Telehealth Occupation-Based Coaching for Rural Parents of Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBC may be more efficacious in helping families to improve health management routines after a child's diagnosis with T1D than usual endocrinology care alone. Most child health outcomes were in target range at the start of the study; therefore, it was not expected to see significant improvements. Plain-Language Summary: Occupational therapy is an untapped resource in the provision of care for children with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Occupational therapy practitioners can also provide families with evidence-based support to address the self-management skills of children with this chronic condition. This clinical trial examined the preliminary efficacy of a new 12-wk telehealth occupational therapy intervention for rural families with a child living with T1D to improve caregiver diabetes management skills, family participation, and child health. Families who received occupational therapy services were more likely to improve their family participation in meaningful activities and diabetes self-efficacy; however, there were no differences in the child's health outcomes or the family's quality of life.