A theory-based adaptive E-learning program aimed at increasing intentions to provide brief behavior change counseling: Randomized controlled trial. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fontaine, Guillaume; Cossette, Sylvie
• Is Part Of: Nurse education today. Volume 107(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: E-learning -- Adaptive -- Tailored -- Evidence-based practice -- Theory-based intervention -- Behavioral counseling; Nursing -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Education, Nursing -- Periodicals; Soins infirmiers -- Étude et enseignement -- Périodiques; Nursing -- Study and teaching; Periodicals; 610.7307
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2021.105112
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0260-6917

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Unhealthy behaviors are significant contributors to non-communicable diseases. Nurses can support patient health behavior change by providing brief behavior change counseling. However, training programs in brief counseling are generally not personalized, or adapted, to the barriers and theoretical determinants of its provision in clinical practice. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the E_MOTIVA theory-based adaptive e-learning program on nurses' and nursing students' intentions to provide brief counseling for smoking, unhealthy eating habits and medication nonadherence. Design and methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with nurses and nursing students in Canada. Experimental group participants were allocated to the E_MOTIVA theory-based adaptive e-learning program. Control group participants were allocated to the E_MOTIVB knowledge-based standardized e-learning program. E_MOTIVA was designed to influence the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (e.g., attitude, subjective norms) in relation to brief counseling. Outcomes were improvement in intention to provide brief counseling, improvement in other Theory of Planned Behavior variables, as well as cognitive load and engagement related to e-learning. Results: A total of 102 participants were randomized to the experimental ( n = 51) and control ( n = 51) groups. End of study questionnaires were completed by 27 experimental group and 38 control group participants. Analyses indicated no significant differences between groups in the change of scores for intention to provide brief counseling. However, while not significant, the change of score was greater in the experimental group (10.22 ± 3.34 versus 9.04 ± 2.80; p = 0.787). Scores in both groups improved significantly for attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral beliefs, and control beliefs. However, there were no statistically significant differences between groups for these variables as well as for cognitive load and engagement. Conclusions: Both e-learning programs had a similar positive effect on nurses' and nursing students' intentions to provide brief counseling and on Theory of Planned Behavior variables. Trial registration: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN32603572; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN32603572 . International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/18894; https://doi.org/10.2196/18894 .