181563 Implementing a Train the Trainer model: The national evaluation of the BodyWorks multi-session parent-focused adolescent obesity prevention program

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Jodi Anthony, MPH , Intercultural Health Practice Area, Altarum Institute, Washington, DC
Rebecca Ledsky, MBA , Center for Social Marketing and Behavior Change, Academy for Educational Development, Washington, DC
Sherri Farias, BA , Altarum Institute, Washington, DC
Susan M. Blake, PhD , School of Public Health and Health Services, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC
Jonelle Rowe, MD , Office on Women's Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC
Mary Lou Rife, PhD , Rife Communications, Inc., Bethesda, MD
Elizabeth Fassett, MS, CHES , Hager Sharp, Inc, Washington, DC
Rose Hooks , Hager Sharp, Inc, Washington, DC
Namratha Swamy, PhD , Altarum Institute, Washington, DC, DC
Background: Although train-the-trainer models are frequently used to expand the reach of public health programs, the extent to which they are successful in motivating implementation of training content is less well known. This national evaluation explores the skills, resources, and motivation necessary to prepare facilitators to implement BodyWorks, a multi-session parent-focused adolescent obesity prevention program.

Methods: Training of BodyWorks facilitators was conducted nationwide. At least three months after the trainings, facilitators were recruited to complete an on-line survey (107/454 completed the survey). In-depth interviews were conducted with six organizations whose staff were trained and intended to implement BodyWorks with parents/caregivers.

Results: The majority of facilitators (88%) were health educators, nurses, or nutritionists who had provided nutrition education to adults and/or adolescents and who were motivated to implement BodyWorks. However, 67% of respondents had not implemented Bodyworks with parents/caregivers during the interval following training. Reasons included: lack of time and resources; inadequate preparation or support; and inability to recruit parents. Facilitators reported needing infrastructure, community collaboration and adequate time to build momentum, political will, and funding for implementation. While trainers from Faith Based Organizations and Community Based Organizations felt they could find and engage parent/caregivers, they expressed the greatest need for additional implementation support and resources.

Conclusions: Training must better prepare facilitators for implementation. Helping facilitators develop realistic recruitment and implementation plans and identify organizational and community resources during training could enhance implementation success. Follow-up technical assistance in recruitment, retention, facilitation and fundraising should also be considered.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the theoretical frame, goals, and objectives of the BodyWorks program 2.Identify the challenges faced in implementing a train the trainer model 3. Understand the skills, resources, and strategies necessary for success.

Keywords: Training, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an evaluator for the National Evaluation of BodyWorks Toolkit and program
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Discussion: Novel Approaches to Obesity Prevention
See more of: Public Health Education and Health Promotion