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Elaboration and refinement of a motivational communication training program for healthcare professionals in pediatric
Sébastien Dewez1,2, Catherine Laurin3,4, David Ogez2,5,6
1Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.
Introduction:
A healthy lifestyle could have a positive impact in reducing the incidence of some long-term sequelae secondary to pediatric cancer treatments. Motivational communication (MC) is effective at improving healthy lifestyle habits, especially when patients experience change as a challenge. To date, there is no available intervention program using MC that promotes healthy lifestyles in pediatric oncology.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to develop the first MC training program for professionals in pediatric oncology and assess its feasibility and acceptability.
Materials And Methods:
Following standard procedures involving professionals, we developed a professional-targeted training named the Motivation Cafés, consisting in six sessions of core MC skills for healthcare professionals who wish to positively impact lifestyles of families in pediatric oncology. We used a mixed-methods quantitative-qualitative study to assess the program feasibility and acceptability. Professionals in nutrition and physical activity (N = 16) attended two rounds of the training and completed surveys to evaluate the training. They reported self-efficacy and knowledge in MC. Participation and retention rates were used to assess acceptability and feasibility, and a thematic analysis of the open-ended questions was performed to identify strengths and weaknesses of the program to further refine the program. We used non-parametric statistics to compare pre-post changes on measures of self-efficacy and knowledge in MC.
Results:
Attendance and retention (average 4.2/6 sessions completed) were high, suggesting very good adherence and feasibility. We also found high levels of acceptability and pertinence of the program (i.e. >90%). The results suggested probable improvements in self-efficacy and knowledge, but these were not statistically significant given the limited sample size.
Conclusion:
The training Motivation Cafés is now ready to be pilot tested in pediatric cancer care centers.
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