Interventions to Improve Trainers' Learning and Behaviors for Educating Health Care Professionals Using Train-the-Trainer Method: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Train-the-trainer (TTT) programs are frequently used to facilitate knowledge dissemination. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these programs. Therefore, we sought to assess the impact of TTT programs on learning and behavior of trainers for educating health and social professionals (trainees). Methods: Guided by the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care, we conducted a systematic review. We searched 12 databases until April 2018 and extracted data according to the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome model. Population was defined as trainers delivering training program to health care professionals, and the intervention consists in any organized activity provided by a trainer. There were no restrictive comparators, and outcomes were knowledge, attitude, skill, confidence, commitment, and behavior of trainers. We estimated the pooled effect size and its 95% confidence interval using a random-effect model. We performed a narrative synthesis when meta-analysis was not possible. Results: Of 11,202 potentially eligible references, we identified 16 unique studies. Studies were mostly controlled before-and-after studies and covered a unique training intervention. Targeted trainers were mostly nurses (n = 10) and physicians (n = 5). The most frequent measured outcome was knowledge (n = 12). TTT programs demonstrated significant effect on knowledge (Standardized mean deviation = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.11–1.06; I2 = 90%; P < .01; 10 studies). No studies measured trainers' ability to deliver the training program. Discussion: TTT programs may improve the knowledge of trainers. However, the heterogeneity and small number of studies hamper our ability to draw conclusions that are more robust.

Piloting a Basic Life Support instructor course: A short report

“…A systematic review 16 showed how train-the-trainer programs in health care develop good trainers while training other professionals. Mostly in before and after studies, knowledge improved, however, no studies investigated the ability of trained instructors to deliver the learned program.…”

From Teacher to Teacher-Trainer: A Qualitative Study Exploring Factors Contributing to a Successful Train-the-Trainer Digital Education Program

“…is all the more necessary to generate meaningful and sustainable change in teaching practice (Berger & Thomas, 2011), one of the biggest challenges in education (Hubers, 2020). An effective strategy to increase trainers' knowledge and skills is the TTT model (Poitras et al, 2021). Often used in the health sector, this model enables potential trainers to acquire the abilities to share what they have learned with other members of their community (Ray et al, 2012).…”

Meeting the Immediate Needs of Health Care Practitioners and Building the Evidence for Continuing Professional Development

“…Issue 3 also contains two systematic reviews that seek to add to the current state of the evidence in two particular CPD activities: (1) train-the-trainer programs in faculty development and (2) methodological design in quality improvement training outcomes. Poitras et al 13 assess the impact of train-the-trainer programs on learning and behavior of trainers for educating health professionals and social workers (trainees). They point to the need for more studies and the application of robust outcomes assessment models such as the New World Kirkpatrick Model to evaluate the effectiveness of train-the-trainer programs.…”