Development of the FLO Video-Coding Tool to Evaluate Responsive Caregiver-Child Interactions, Oregon, 2022-2024

In 2022, researchers at the University of Oregon recognized a significant gap in the field of dyadic video coding for parent-child interactions. Specifically, it became evident that there were few existing observational coding measures that can accurately, efficiently, and feasibly quantify parent-child interactions in the context of OUD-specific populations. Pilot funds were awarded to accomplish three aims: a) Develop a viable video-coding system with the potential to efficiently and accurately evaluate responsive parenting behaviors within OUD populations (The FLO Coding Tool); b) evaluate the psychometric properties of the FLO Coding Tool to establish the measure’s reliability and validity; and c) evaluate the FLO Coding Tool’s sensitivity to change. Over the course of two years, the project team successfully developed a viable coding system that quantifies the extent to which caregivers follow their children's lead during dyadic interactions. FLO proved to have strong psychometric properties and has been used to detect intervention effects in an intervention study with low-SES, high risk families. Next steps for this project will include its direct application to OUD populations as a key measure for several of the ongoing parenting interventions within the P-50.