{
  "abstract": "Background Parents of children and young people (CYP) with chronic health conditions often face stress and challenges that can lead to poor psychological outcomes. 1 Supporting parents is key to comprehensive healthcare.2Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has a growing evidence base for reducing stress3 and is effective and acceptable in improving the health of parents of CYP with long-term health conditions.4 GOSH Paediatric Psychology sought to adapt and pilot a group parent- ACT intervention (PACT) to understand whether this was an acceptable intervention in this context.Methods Between August 2024 and June 2025, seven PACT groups were delivered. These comprised of three 90-minute sessions, delivered online over three consecutive weeks. The group aims for parents to 1) meet other parents and share experiences, 2) learn practical strategies to manage stress, and 3) explore values. Acceptance and attendance rates were monitored, and parents’ experiences were evaluated using a bespoke form.Results Parents of 104 children were invited to one of seven PACT groups; 63% accepted and 17% declined. Parents of 50 children, aged 1–17 years, from 14 medical specialties attended. 88% found the group helpful and 80% would recommend it. Thematic analysis of qualitative feedback identified four key themes: sharing experiences and understanding, intentional use of space, psychological safety, and learning strategies. Participants described it as a ‘safe space to talk with people who understand without judgement’ and to ‘think of different ways to handle tricky emotions.’Conclusion The group was experienced as helpful by participants, offering a warm, non-judgemental space to share experiences and learn strategies. Its accessibility to parents of children with diverse health diagnoses and ages suggests it is a cost-effective, flexible intervention. Future groups will include outcome measures and trial in-person delivery to assess effectiveness and engagement.References Streisand R, Mackey ER, Elliot BM, Mednick L, Slaughter IM, Turek J, et al. Parental anxiety and depression associated with caring for a child newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes: opportunities for education and counseling. Patient Education and Counseling 2008 Nov;73(2):333–8. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18692342/ Guite JW, Russell BS, Homan KJ, Tepe RM, Williams SE. Parenting in the context of children’s chronic pain: balancing care and burden. Children [Internet] 2018 Nov 27;5(12):161. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/5/12/161 Han A, Kim TH. The effects of internet-based acceptance and commitment therapy on process measures: systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research [Internet] 2022 Aug 29;24(8):e39182. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36040783/ Wright SR, Graham CD, Houghton R, Ghiglieri C, Berry E. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for caregivers of children with chronic conditions: a mixed methods systematic review (MMSR) of efficacy, process, and acceptance. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science [Internet] 2023 Jan 5;27:72–97. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2022.12.003",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Emily Golding"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Daniela Melamed"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Julia Beckwith"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Sophie Pratt"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Agueda Moreno Lopez"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Jessie Mulcaire"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Morgan Zolkwer"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Oscar Taylor"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Gary Burgess"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Neja Zupan"
    }
  ],
  "title": "79 Parent Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (PACT): Developing and implementing a therapeutic group for parents of children with chronic health conditions",
  "uid": "376708b0-a2f0-52e5-9876-3693dd678e81"
}