Table 4 6SQuID step 6: pilot intervention considerations
Pilot considerations | Details |
|---|---|
Study approvals | Applications made to, and approvals sought from, relevant ethics committee(s) and education board(s) |
Sampling | Local schools identified. Head/lead teachers provided with information about the study, whom it would involve and how it would be carried out (e.g. details of time commitment, venue etc.) |
Population | Teaching assistants do not generally have any formal teaching qualifications but may be vital to the support of pupils, especially in challenging situations. Training that is specific to adolescent development may be of benefit, particularly for those new to the role |
Recruitment | Head teachers, who are agreeable to study conduct at their school, would be asked to pass study details to their teaching assistants. Those willing to take part would be asked to consider the study information and sign a consent form, which would then be given to the researchers. A suitable time and venue for the training session would be agreed with the head teacher and teaching assistants to minimise disruption. Participants would be asked to complete a short pre-intervention questionnaire to assist evaluation (e.g. assessing level of existing knowledge and understanding) |
Intervention | Aim: to improve knowledge and confidence in dealing with adolescents, through increased understanding of adolescent development. Objective: to deliver a 30-min slide show detailing key issues in adolescent development and behaviour-influencing factors. The intervention would include details about why and when support might be needed, identification of those who might be more in need of support (e.g. at risk groups), what type of support teaching assistants can provide, and when to alert or refer to more senior staff or other professionals (including consideration of confidentiality issues). The slide show information would be complied into a written booklet for future reference. The intervention would be concluded with a question and answer session, as well as general discussion. Permission to record and use this part of the intervention would be sought, both as part of study permissions and from individual participants. Brief post-intervention questionnaire given/completed. Total intervention time: approx. 1Â h |
Outcome measures | Participant levels of understanding and knowledge Acceptability and relevance of intervention Influence on future practice (e.g. confidence in dealing with adolescent issues) |
Resource requirements | Study base: office for study team to operate from, including access to IT/PC, stationery, telephones etc. Study team personnel: to develop study protocol, including evaluation tools, execute approval submissions, recruit consenting participants, deliver and evaluate intervention, write/deliver study report etc. Venue: appropriate intervention venue to be sourced and agreed, including consideration of accessibility, refreshment, and toilet facilities. Power supply and appropriate IT facilities for intervention delivery. Other resource requirements: production and supply of study information sheets, intervention booklets, and questionnaires. Transport costs and connections to intervention venues |
Evaluation | Outcome evaluation: pre- and post-intervention ratings of levels of understanding, knowledge, confidence, and influence on future practice (from questionnaires) Process evaluation: post-intervention questionnaire/interview (venue, content, delivery method etc.) |