Implementing a collaborative model in health education practice: a process evaluation of a health education programme targeting users with mental health problems

Abstract

Background: Users with mental health problems (users) have a substantially higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than the general population. Recent studies show that traditional lifestyle interventions focusing solely on exercise and diet among users have limited effect. Studies suggest collaborative models as a starting point for health behaviour change are more beneficial, but implementation in practice is a challenge. Using the Medical Research Council's guidance for process evaluation, we explored implementation of a collaborative model in health education activities targeting users. The collaborative model focused on involving users in agenda setting and reflection about readiness to change health behaviour and was supported by dialogue tools (e.g., quotes and games). Educators received 3 days of training in applying the model. Methods: Collected data included questionnaires for users (n = 154) and professionals (n = 158), interviews with users (n = 14), and observations of health education activities (n = 37) and the professional development programme (n = 9). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and systematic text condensation. Results: Ninetysix percent (152) of professionals tested the model in practice and tried at least one tool. Users reported that the model supported them in expressing their thoughts about their health and focused on their needs rather than the agenda of the professional. Ninetythree percent (143) of users strongly agreed that professionals were openminded and responsive. However, observations showed that some professionals overlooked cues from users about motivation for health behaviour change. Furthermore, professionals identified lack of involvement from their managers as a barrier to implementation. Conclusions: Implementation of a collaborative model was feasible in practice. Training of professionals in active listening and involvement of managers prior to implementation is crucial.

Collaborative knowledge sharing in developing and evaluating a training programme for health professionals to implement a social intervention in dementia research

“…The Level 3 evaluation focuses on behaviour change in intervention facilitators. Our findings indicate that knowledge sharing collaboratively was a core component to enable intervention facilitators to practise good communication skills and provide a range of choices and encouragements to people with dementia and their supporter to engage in the social intervention (Pals et al , 2020). Given an interactive face-to-face and group-based learning environment that enabled intervention facilitator to engage in active learning could optimise the potential of behaviour change (Surr et al , 2020) and increased positive perceptions and attitudes towards collaborative knowledge sharing (Marouf, 2015).…”

Caught between good intentions and rigid structures: A qualitative description of professionals’ experiences with health promotion in mental health services

“…Findings should also be understood in the perspective that PWMI in general have fewer resources compared with the general population. Previous work related to this project showed that PWMI are a diverse group with an overrepresentation of vulnerable individuals facing inequalities relating to low social status including no or little connection to the labour market and low education levels [18]. Therefore, improving organisational health literacy may pose a bigger, yet more important, challenge in the care of PWMI than in other fields.…”

“…All authors had worked on both project phases and were familiar with the data and participants' perspectives. Our pre-understandings included familiarity with the data presented in this report, as well as with multiple other data sources, such as observations, interviews and workshops with PWMI and insights from both PWMI and professionals from conference workshops that have been previously reported [18,19,24]. This report is based exclusively on unpublished data.…”

“…The present article uses data from a larger project to improve health promotion among PWMI. From 2015 to 2017, a collaboration between the Region of Southern Denmark and Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen resulted in a professional development programme aimed at improving the skills of professionals working in health promotion with PWMI and providing them with concrete tools to ensure a collaborative approach [18]. In 2018, this project was extended to include settings in the Capital Region of Denmark, comprising the Regional Municipality of Bornholm and Ballerup Municipality [19].…”

Nutritional and food education as a complementary treatment approach in severe obese individuals

“…Therefore, we aimed to describe our group health education approach that focuses on supporting the treatment of individuals with severe obesity, as well as presenting participants’ and their families’ perceptions about this type of treatment. In this context, a patient-centered approach may lead to patient empowerment and consequently may be lead to a better quality of care and, ultimately, better quality of life (Castro et al, 2016; Pals et al, 2020).…”