Provider Training to Screen and Initiate Evidence-Based Pediatric Obesity Treatment in Routine Practice Settings: A Randomized Pilot Trial

Abstract

Introduction: This randomized pilot trial evaluated two training modalities for first-line, evidence-based pediatric obesity services (screening and goal setting) among nursing students.

Method: Participants (N = 63) were randomized to live interactive training or Web-facilitated self-study training. Pretraining, post-training, and 1-month follow-up assessments evaluated training feasibility, acceptability, and impact (knowledge and skill via simulation). Moderator (previous experience) and predictor (content engagement) analyses were conducted.

Results: Nearly all participants (98%) completed assessments. Both types of training were acceptable, with higher ratings for live training and participants with previous experience (ps < .05). Knowledge and skill improved from pretraining to post-training and follow-up in both conditions (ps < .001). Live training demonstrated greater content engagement (p < .01).

Conclusions: The training package was feasible, acceptable, and efficacious among nursing students. Given that live training had higher acceptability and engagement and online training offers greater scalability, integrating interactive live training components within Web-based training may optimize outcomes, which may enhance practitioners' delivery of pediatric obesity services.

Keywords: Childhood obesity; evidence-based guidelines; nursing curriculum; simulation; training.

Conflict of interest statement

Author Disclosure Statement: No competing financial interests reported.

Copyright © 2016 National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Figures

Figure 1

Flow of nursing student participants in the pilot trial.

Figure 2

Acceptability, knowledge, and skill scores for each training condition over time.