Abstract
BACKGROUND: Parents of children and adolescents with chronic conditions have an increased risk of stress-related mental health problems, and reduced quality of life. Third wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions have been shown to reduce stress in this parent population. Studies demonstrate that this efficacy endures when these therapies are delivered online. The aim of this protocol is to describe the methodology and methods that will be employed for a systematic review and meta-analysis that investigates the effectiveness of internet-based third-wave CBT interventions for parents of children and adolescents with chronic conditions, and their potential to reduce stress for parents. METHODS/DESIGN: This systematic review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach. A search of peer-reviewed journal articles published from January 1970 to December 2022 will be undertaken in the following databases: CINHAHL, EMBASE, EMCARE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO. Title and abstract screening together with data extraction will be completed by two reviewers, and will be arbitrated by a third reviewer, should there be any discrepancies. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Data related to the primary outcome (i.e. reduction of stress in parents) will be extracted for analysis. RESULTS: This Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis plans to provide a conclusive overview of the available evidence on the effectiveness of internet-based third-wave parent interventions and their ability to reduce stress in parents of children and adolescents with chronic conditions. If the results of this analysis prove positive, further research can be undertaken to support this vulnerable parent population. The findings of the review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. DISCUSSION: Third-wave internet-based approaches may show great promise in supporting parents to cope with the stress/distress associated with parenting a child with a chronic condition. This protocol will guide a systematic literature review of the evidence for internet-based third-wave interventions for this parent population. REGISTRATION: This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO on 24th June, 2022 (Registration: CRD42022337334).