Emily Gray1, Christopher Shields2, Jonathon R Fowles1. 1. Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada. 2. Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada. Electronic address: chris.shields@acadiau.ca.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of the Canadian Diabetes Association's (CDA) resource titled Building Competency in Diabetes Education: Physical Activity and Exercise and associated workshops, on diabetes care providers' (DCPs) confidence and practices regarding physical-activity promotion 8 to 12 months after attending a workshop. METHODS: In this action research study, 2 separate cross-sectional samples of DCPs were recruited. DCPs at baseline (N=462) completed a questionnaire assessing their current physical-activity promotion practices, intended changes in practice and intended implementation of the toolkit. At follow up, DCPs (n=132) completed an online questionnaire assessing their physical-activity counselling practices, confidence in their physical-activity counselling, use of the specific CDA resources as well as changes to practice and ongoing challenges. RESULTS: At baseline, 58% of DCPs incorporated physical-activity content in the majority of their sessions; however, 66% of DCPs discussed physical activity in >50% of their sessions following the launch of the training initiative. Following the training, DCPs reported increased confidence across all 6 aspects of physical-activity counselling that were examined. Improvements were most frequently found in providing advice regarding the benefits of activity (86%) and providing instruction regarding resistance training (86%). DCPs most often changed their practices by discussing physical activity more frequently and confidently (27%); however, lack of time was frequently reported (37%) as an ongoing challenge to providing physical-activity counselling. CONCLUSIONS: This evaluation highlights the impact of this national initiative and suggests that the resource is effective in improving physical-activity promotion in diabetes care.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to examine the impact of the Canadian Diabetes Association's (CDA) resource titled Building Competency in Diabetes Education: Physical Activity and Exercise and associated workshops, on diabetes care providers' (DCPs) confidence and practices regarding physical-activity promotion 8 to 12 months after attending a workshop. METHODS: In this action research study, 2 separate cross-sectional samples of DCPs were recruited. DCPs at baseline (N=462) completed a questionnaire assessing their current physical-activity promotion practices, intended changes in practice and intended implementation of the toolkit. At follow up, DCPs (n=132) completed an online questionnaire assessing their physical-activity counselling practices, confidence in their physical-activity counselling, use of the specific CDA resources as well as changes to practice and ongoing challenges. RESULTS: At baseline, 58% of DCPs incorporated physical-activity content in the majority of their sessions; however, 66% of DCPs discussed physical activity in >50% of their sessions following the launch of the training initiative. Following the training, DCPs reported increased confidence across all 6 aspects of physical-activity counselling that were examined. Improvements were most frequently found in providing advice regarding the benefits of activity (86%) and providing instruction regarding resistance training (86%). DCPs most often changed their practices by discussing physical activity more frequently and confidently (27%); however, lack of time was frequently reported (37%) as an ongoing challenge to providing physical-activity counselling. CONCLUSIONS: This evaluation highlights the impact of this national initiative and suggests that the resource is effective in improving physical-activity promotion in diabetes care.
Keywords:
activité physique; diabetes care professionals; education; enseignement; formation; implementation; mise en œuvre; physical activity; professionnels des soins aux diabétiques; training