The i-ACT™ in Obesity educational intervention: a pilot study on improving Canadian family physician care in obesity medicine

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a chronic problem in Canada and although the Canadian Medical Association recognizes obesity as a disease, health care professionals (HCPs) are not necessarily proactively managing it as one. This study aimed to assess current obesity management knowledge and practices of Canadian family physicians (FPs) and evaluate the feasibility of an online self-directed learning platform, i-ACT™ in Obesity, in delivering learning and changing practice intentions to advance obesity management. METHODS: i-ACT™ in Obesity is an online self-directed learning program designed by Canadian obesity medicine experts to provide individualized learning curricula to participants. One hundred FPs, with an interest in weight management and managing patients with obesity, were recruited across Canada to participate in a pilot study. FP education was delivered in a stepwise manner. Each participant completed a practice profile assessment to determine knowledge gaps and educational needs. Learners then watched didactic videos across disciplines on topics assigned to their curriculum by the program algorithm based on the relative difference between indicated and desired current knowledge. FPs also completed 10 retrospective patient assessments to assess clinical management practices and planned behaviour change. Feasibility, acceptability, and satisfaction of the learning program were assessed to formulate the rationale for a more widespread deployment in the future. Survey responses and related data were analyzed using comparative measures and descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The program was piloted by ninety-one Canadian FPs, where 900 patients were assessed. FPs showed distinct differences between their current and desired levels of comfort in a variety of obesity-related topics. Participation was associated with an intention to use more obesity treatment interventions moving forward. The program received an overall satisfaction rating of 8.6 out of 10 and 100% of the evaluators indicated that they would recommend it to their colleagues. CONCLUSION: The program was overall well received and successfully changed obesity management intentions among participating FPs, thus setting the stage for a larger more comprehensive study to examine the efficacy of i-ACT™ in Obesity in addressing knowledge gaps and advancing evidence-based, guidelines-aligned approach to obesity treatment. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01715-w.