Training interventions for healthcare providers offering group-based patient education. A scoping review

Olöf Birna Kristjansdottir; André Vågan; Margrét Hrönn Svavarsdóttir; Hilde Blindheim Børve; Kari Hvinden; Veerle Duprez; Ann Van Hecke; Lena Heyn; Hilde Strømme; Una Stenberg

doi:10.1016/j.pec.2020.12.006

Training interventions for healthcare providers offering group-based patient education. A scoping review

Patient Educ Couns. 2021 May;104(5):1030-1048. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.12.006. Epub 2020 Dec 17.

Affiliations

¹ The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Learning and Mastery in Health, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. Electronic address: olof@mestring.no.
² The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Learning and Mastery in Health, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
³ School of Health Sciences, University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland.
⁴ University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
⁵ University Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Staff Member Nursing Department, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
⁶ Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway.
⁷ University Library, Medical Library, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
⁸ The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Learning and Mastery in Health, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Frambu Competence Center for Rare Diagnoses, Siggerud, Norway.

PMID: 33583649
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2020.12.006

Abstract

Objectives: To provide overview of research on training interventions for healthcare providers aimed at promoting competencies in delivering group-based patient education.

Methods: A systematic literature search identified relevant studies. Data was extracted on training details, study design, outcomes and experiences. Results were summarized and qualitative data analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Twenty-seven studies exploring various training interventions were included. Ten studies used qualitative methods, eight quantitative and nine mixed methods. Use of a comparison group, validated instruments and follow-up measures was rare. Healthcare providers' reactions to training were mostly positive. Several studies indicated positive short-term effects on self-efficacy and knowledge. Results on observed skills and patient outcomes were inconclusive. Results on healthcare providers' experience of delivery of group-based patient education following training were categorized into 1) Benefits of training interventions, 2) Barriers to implementation and 3) Delivery support.

Conclusions: Further evaluation of training for healthcare providers delivering group-based patient education is needed before conclusions on training efficacy can be drawn. The results indicate an expanding research field still in maturation.

Practice implications: Efficacy studies evaluating theoretically grounded training with clear attention on group facilitation and follow-up support are needed. Inclusion of validated instruments and long-term outcomes is encouraged.

Keywords: Groups; Patient education; Professional competence; Scoping review; Self-Management support; Training.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review
Systematic Review

MeSH terms

Clinical Competence
Health Personnel* / education
Humans
Patient Education as Topic*