Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of blogshots to increase knowledge and manage expectations regarding six Choosing Wisely Canada recommendations about common childhood conditions.

Approach:

• Study Design: A multimethod study including a non-pharmacological randomized controlled trial and qualitative interviews.
• Participants: Parents or legal guardians of children under 5 years in Canada.
• Intervention: Participants received one of two sets of blogshots delivered weekly over 3 weeks, focusing on different topics related to childhood conditions.
• Outcome Measures: Primary outcome was change in knowledge; secondary outcomes included changes in expectations, intentions, actions over time, and usability of the blogshots.

Key Findings:

• 167 participants included in final analysis, predominantly mothers (80%).
• At follow-up 1, those receiving blogshots scored significantly higher on knowledge questionnaires (p<0.001, d=0.30).
• No significant differences in knowledge scores between groups at follow-up 2 and 3.
• Participants expressed intentions to use blogshots and reported actions to manage their child's condition.
• Qualitative interviews indicated blogshots were aesthetically pleasing and contained understandable information.

Interpretation:

Blogshots can effectively disseminate child health information to parents, with potential for broader application across various health topics.

Limitations:

• Short-term follow-up may not capture long-term knowledge retention.
• Study sample may not represent all demographics of parents.

Conclusion:

Blogshots may serve as an effective tool for increasing parental health literacy regarding childhood conditions.

Sources:

• Clinical Trials