Examining the Effectiveness of an E-Learning Training Course for Coaches of a Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Program

Small Steps for Big Changes (SSBC) is a community-based diabetes prevention program (DPP). SSBC utilizes a motivational interviewing (MI) informed counseling style to deliver a structured diet and exercise curriculum to empower healthy behavioral modifications and prevent type 2 diabetes (T2D). An electronic learning (e-learning) platform to train SSBC coaches was developed to improve flexibility, reach, and accessibility. While e-learning has shown to be an effective mode of teaching content to health professionals, less is known in the context of DPP coaches. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the SSBC e-learning course. Twenty coaches (eleven fitness staff personnel and nine university students) were recruited through existing fitness facilities to participate in the online SSBC coach training which included completing pre- and post-training questionnaires, seven online modules of content and a mock client session. Knowledge regarding MI (M(pre) = 3.30 ± 1.95, M(post) = 5.90 ± 1.29; p < 0.01), SSBC content (M(pre) = 5.15 ± 2.23, M(post) = 8.60 ± 0.94; p < 0.01), and T2D (M(pre) = 6.95 ± 1.57, M(post) = 8.25 ± 0.72; p < 0.01), and self-efficacy to deliver the program (M(pre) = 7.93 ± 1.51, M(post) = 9.01 ± 1.00; p < 0.01) all significantly increased from pre- to post e-learning training. Participants reported positively on the user satisfaction and feedback questionnaire with a mean score of 4.58/5 (SD = 0.36). These findings suggest e-learning platforms are a promising mode to improve DPP coaches’ knowledge, counseling skills, and to bolster confidence in program delivery with high levels of satisfaction. E-learning to train DPP coaches allows for effective and feasible expansion of DPP’s, ultimately permitting more reach to adults living with prediabetes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41347-023-00316-3.