Effectiveness of brief e-learning training for diabetes prevention program coaches: Outcome evaluation (Preprint)

Abstract

[PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] is a community-based diabetes prevention program delivered by fitness facility staff. Individuals at increased risk for type 2 diabetes meet with a trained [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] coach for six one-on-one counselling sessions. [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] coaches deliver diet and exercise information to clients using a motivational interviewing-informed counselling style. E-learning training is used to train [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] coaches. It is important to examine the effectiveness of training to ensure that it is working as intended.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] coach e-learning training using the Kirkpatrick model of evaluation by examining: 1) coach satisfaction with training, 2) coach learning from training, 3) coach behaviours from training, and 4) client outcomes as a result of coach training.

Fourteen fitness facility staff completed the [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] coach e-learning training and began delivering the [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] program to clients. Coach satisfaction with the e-learning training was assessed through a satisfaction questionnaire. Coaches completed pre- and post-training knowledge tests to determine whether they gained knowledge about type 2 diabetes prevention, [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] program information, and motivational interviewing from the training. Coaches’ behaviours delivering [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] to clients were examined to determine whether they were using motivational interviewing to deliver [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] information after completing the training. Finally, client outcomes of changes in weight and waist circumference and clients’ perceived satisfaction with coaches meeting their basic psychological needs were assessed.

Coaches reported high levels of satisfaction with the training (M = 4.58/5  .32). Paired samples t-tests demonstrated statistically significant increases in coaches’ knowledge from pre- to post-training for type 2 diabetes prevention information and [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] information. Coach behaviours demonstrated that coaches delivered an average of 78% of session content to clients using a counselling style generally inconsistent with motivational interviewing. Client outcomes revealed statistically significant decreases in waist circumference from their first to sixth session, and clients reported that coaches highly supported their basic psychological needs.

The brief [PROGRAM NAME BLINDED FOR REVIEW] coach e-learning training demonstrated favourable levels of effectiveness at all four levels of the Kirkpatrick model. Results from this study demonstrate that e-learning is an effective method for training fitness facility staff to deliver a diabetes prevention program.