Awareness is not enough: Developing competencies in behaviour change counselling for obesity management

Background

This study describes the development and evaluation of a competency based training program in behaviour change counselling for obesity management. This was a real world study attempting to obtain evidence on the learning experience; specifically, achievement of level of competency as well as personal experiences of the integration of skills learned into practice.

Methods

This was a training effectiveness study involving a total of 28 evaluable licenced healthcare providers providing obesity care services. The design for this study is pre-experimental; specifically a one-group post-test only quasi-experimental design.

Based on previous work developing a competency-based model of behaviour change counselling (developing change-based relationships, assessing and promoting readiness to change, implementing behaviour modification when ready, and addressing psychosocial determinants of behaviour) we report on training outcomes; specifically, the level of competency achieved in the various skill components of the intervention model. The model of training was based on corrective feedback, the development of peer-based learning and the creation of a mindmap to guide adaptation of interventions to the unique characteristics of individuals with obesity. Quantitative data on competency of components skills and qualitative information on the experience of training were used to evaluate the program.

Results

Objective assessment of skill competency post training demonstrated moderate to high skill in all aspects of behaviour change counselling. Learners reported frequent use of skills in clinical practice, particularly change-based relationships and readiness assessment/intervention. Qualitative interviews confirmed the value to learners in creating a safe place for corrective feedback, the development of the mindmap concept and the opportunity to teach back learned skills to peers.

Conclusion

Provision of competency-based behaviour change counselling in obesity management is critical to support the reformulation of obesity as a chronic disease and to be an important adjunct to medical/surgical interventions. In this paper, we have demonstrated the value of an intensive training program for obesity providers.