Participant-Centered Education: Implementing a new model in the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Participant-Centered Education (PCE) is a nutrition service delivery approach that puts the learner at the center of the educational process. Unlike a traditional medical clinic model with a didactic educational approach, PCE facilitates an environment that fosters engaging clients and counselors act as listeners to guide the nutrition behaviors that promote positive health outcomes. Through PCE the focus is on topics of interest to the client, addressing their specific needs and circumstances, and affirming healthy behavioral goals. PCE is based in behavior change theory and is effective in addressing complex food-related behaviors. This unique approach is effective in accomplishing lasting behavioral change. The fourteen State agencies with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Programs for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the Western Region of USDA, Food and Nutrition Service, through partnership with Altarum Institute, developed a comprehensive, health-outcome service delivery model that features participant-centered education (PCE) as the core concept. PCE has seven domains which frame a systems approach for effectively implementing the model. Each domain - state agency responsibilities, service delivery environment, leadership and mentoring, local agencies engaged, nutrition educators' skills, cultural competency, and materials - defines specific features to achieve the desired outcome, touching on all aspects of WIC service delivery. The PCE model can be tailored to meet state-specific needs. A PCE Implementation Toolkit includes an implementation guide, full description of the model, video, self-assessment tools, and resource guide. Several states are beginning to implement the model to influence WIC participant nutrition behaviors and achieve positive health outcomes.