An evaluation of the facilitator training to implement 'Taking charge of my life and health', a peer-led group program to promote self-care and patient empowerment in Veteran participants

Objective: We developed a peer-led group program for Veterans called Taking Charge of My Life and Health (TCMLH) that emphasizes patient education, goal setting, shared decision making, and whole person care. Our aim was to conduct an evaluation of a facilitator training course to deliver TCMLH in VA sites.

Methods: Repeated measures ANOVA models were used to examine change over three timepoints (pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up) in outcomes of attitudes, knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy related to patient empowerment, skills acquisition, self-care strategies, and curriculum facilitation. Qualitative data analysis of participant feedback was used to identify potential training adaptations and barriers to TCMLH delivery.

Results: Our sample comprised 70 trainees who completed all three assessments. Participants reported high levels of training satisfaction, quality, and utility, and sustained improvements in knowledge of Whole Health, self-efficacy for group facilitation, and self-efficacy for using Whole Health concepts and tools. Implementation barriers included challenges related to group management and site logistics.

Conclusion: The facilitator training course improved knowledge and self-efficacy associated with successful peer-led program delivery and identified opportunities to improve the training course and TCMLH dissemination.

Practice implications: Findings provide insights on the design and implementation of training models to support peer-led programs.