๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-07-14

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Child-oriented Goal-setting in Paediatric Rehabilitation (the ENGAGE Approach) (NCT04096430)

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Child-oriented Goal-setting in Paediatric Rehabilitation (the ENGAGE Approach): A Pragmatic Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial and Economic Analysis

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic ๐Ÿง  Behavioral & Psychological Program Sponsor: University of Alberta

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Children with disabilities often access rehabilitation services to improve their abilities to participate in everyday activities. Goal-directed therapy is considered an important therapeutic strategy to achieve outcomes that are meaningful to families. Not a lot is known about the effects of goal setting on rehabilitation outcomes. Strategies to help children participate in the goal-setting process are rarely used in clinical practice. The aim of this project is to test the effects of a child-focussed goal setting approach, Enhancing Child Engagement in Goal Setting (ENGAGE), on therapy outcomes. Service use and the cost vs. benefits of the ENGAGE approach compared to usual practice will also be examined. Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities aged 5-12 years old (n=96) who access paediatric rehabilitation services at six rehabilitation sites will participate. Therapists (n=24) at participating sites in Alberta, Canada will be randomized into 1) the ENGAGE intervention group or 2) the usual therapy practice control group. Children will participate in the ENGAGE approach to goal setting or usual practice based on the allocation of their therapist. This study will determine if the ENGAGE approach to goal setting affects child goal performance, satisfaction with goal performance, functional abilities, participation, and parent and child quality of life. The investigators will also evaluate differences in parent and child quality of life in relation to parent costs (e.g., absenteeism, presenteeism, travel costs) and compare amount of therapy time between the two groups to see which approach is more cost-effective and efficient. After the study, children, parents and therapists will be asked to discuss aspects that influenced effective implementation of the ENGAGE approach. This study could provide evidence to improve meaningful child and family outcomes in paediatric rehabilitation and improve efficiency of paediatric rehabilitation services.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Renfrew Educational Services โ€” Calgary, Alberta

Age range: 5 Years to 12 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

  • ENGAGE approach (child-oriented goal-setting) (BEHAVIORAL)

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (6 Sites)

  • Renfrew Educational Services โ€” Calgary, Alberta
  • Society for Treatment of Autism โ€” Calgary, Alberta
  • Children's Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services โ€” Camrose, Alberta
  • Centre for Autism Services Alberta โ€” Edmonton, Alberta
  • Children's Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services โ€” Grande Prairie, Alberta
  • Children's Rehabilitation Services, Alberta Health Services โ€” Red Deer, Alberta

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (780) 492-2971

Email: lwiart@ualberta.ca

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—