Report
Evaluating the Impact of Training in Counseling, Knowledge and Skills of WIC Nutritionists in Georgia in 2015
By Palmer W, Henderson D, Stahnke B
Abstract
Objectives:
Motivational interviewing, a client-centered intervention method focused on enhancing intrinsic motivation for behavior change, shows a positive impact on children’s weight status (ie, stabilizing or slowing down weight gain as a child grows). We evaluated the impact of a training program on knowledge and adoption of evidence-based obesity prevention counseling strategies among counselors from Georgia’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
Methods:
Between July 2014 and September 2015, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Strong4Life program provided 388 WIC counselors in Georgia with a 2-hour training session on motivational interviewing, patient-centered counseling, and goal setting for obesity prevention. We evaluated the training using (1) self-administered pre- and post-training surveys that assessed knowledge of counseling strategies, (2) post-training observation of counseling interactions, and (3) a review of behavior change goal quality pre- and post-training in a random sample of 200 WIC client charts.
Results:
In a comparison of pre-training knowledge with immediate post-training knowledge among 388 counselors, 81% vs 91% (P < .001) knew that, to be effective, goals must be important to clients, and 66% vs 94% (P < .001) knew the 5 A’s (assess, advise, agree, assist, arrange) of counseling. Knowledge improvements were sustained at 3 months post-training. We observed no improvements in the quality of chart-documented behavior goals.
Conclusions:
WIC nutrition counselors in Georgia were aware of evidence-based counseling strategies but did not consistently apply them. The training program was helpful, but time and additional support are needed to adopt new practices.
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Date Added
March 8, 2018
Citation
Palmer W, Henderson D, & Stahnke B (2017) Evaluating the Impact of Training in Counseling, Knowledge and Skills of WIC Nutritionists in Georgia in 2015. Public Health Reports: Vol. 132, Issue 2, Supplement, pp. 16S-23S. Available online: http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0033354917730332