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Elrod CS, Pappa ST, Heyn PC, Wong RA. Using an academic-community partnership model to deliver evidence-based falls prevention programs in a metropolitan setting: A community case study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1073520. [PMID: 37064710 PMCID: PMC10097908 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1073520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundPrevention is an effective approach for mitigating the negative health outcomes associated with falls in older adults. The Administration for Community Living (ACL) has sponsored the implementation of evidence-based falls prevention programs (EBFPPs) across the United States through cooperative agreement grants to decrease the health and economic burden of falls. Marymount University received two of these grants to deliver three EBFPPs into the northern Virginia region. This community case study describes the development of a collaboration between a university and community-based organizations to adopt and implement multiple evidence-based programming in an area where none previously existed.MethodsThrough an academic-community partnership, EBFPPs were introduced to and implemented by senior-focused organizations. Target adopters were senior and community centers, multi-purpose senior services organizations, recreational organizations, and residential facilities serving older adults. The three EBFPPs were (1) Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL), (2) a Matter of Balance (MOB) and (3) Otago Exercise Program (OEP). Key interdependent project elements included: (1) fostering ongoing community organization collaboration, (2) introducing programs in the community, (3) growing and sustaining delivery sites, (4) preparing trained program leaders, and (5) building community demand for the programs.ResultsFrom August 2016–June 2022, 5,857 older adults participated in one of the three EBFPPs. SAIL classes were offered at 33 sites and MOB workshops at 31 with over 70% of them occurring at community or senior centers. OEP was offered at 4 sites. Factors that influenced the implementation of these programs included having: key advocates at host organizations, programs embedded into site workflows, sufficient capacity and workforce, engaged invested partners, and flexibility in working with a complex set of agencies and systems with different administrative structures.ConclusionBy connecting academic faculty with various community members from multiple sectors, new initiatives can be successfully implemented. Results from this ACL-funded project indicate that using an academic-community partnership model to build relationships and capacity for ongoing delivery of health promotion programming for older adults is feasible and effective in delivering EBFPPs. In addition, academic-community partnerships can develop a strong network of invested partners to foster continued support of fall prevention activities.
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Mazza NZ, Lanou AJ, Weisner S. Reach and Impact of In-Person and Remote Delivery Formats of Walk with Ease. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2023; 60:469580231152314. [PMID: 36802816 PMCID: PMC9942182 DOI: 10.1177/00469580231152314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
This descriptive study retrospectively evaluates the reach and impact of cohorts enrolled in Group (in-person, 2017-2020) and Self-Directed (remote, 2019-2020) delivery formats of the evidenced-based health promotion program, Walk with Ease, implemented statewide in North Carolina. An existing dataset consisting of pre- and post-surveys were analyzed for 1,890 participants; 454 (24%) from the Group format and 1,436 (76%) from Self-Directed. Self-Directed participants were younger, had more years of education, represented more Black/African American and multi-racial participants, and participated in more locations than Group, though a higher percentage of Group participants were from rural counties. Self-Directed participants were less likely to report having arthritis, cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, kidney disease, stroke, or osteoporosis, though more likely to report being obese or having anxiety or depression. All participants walked more and expressed higher confidence in managing joint pain following the program. These results promote opportunities for enhancing engagement in Walk with Ease with diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Z. Mazza
- North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness, University of North Carolina Asheville, Asheville, NC, USA,Nadia Z. Mazza, University of North Carolina Asheville, 443 Sherrill Center, CPO #4010, One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804, USA.
| | - Amy Joy Lanou
- North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness, University of North Carolina Asheville, Asheville, NC, USA
| | - Serena Weisner
- Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, Thurston Arthritis Research Center, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Woodard N, Chen C, Huq MR, He X, Knott CL. Prior health promotion experience and intervention outcomes in a lay health advisor intervention. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2022; 37:266-277. [PMID: 35726480 PMCID: PMC9340964 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Training lay community members to implement health promotion interventions is an effective method to educate medically underserved populations. Some trainings are designed for individuals who already have a health-related background; however, others are developed for those with no previous health promotion experience. It is unknown whether those with backgrounds in health promotion are more effective in this role than those without. This study assessed the relationship between health promotion experience among trained community health advisors (CHAs) and their self-efficacy to implement an evidence-based cancer control intervention, as well as cancer knowledge and screening behavior outcomes among intervention participants. Data were collected from 66 trained CHAs and 269 participants in CHA-led cancer awareness and early detection workshops. CHAs reported high self-efficacy to implement the intervention independent of their health promotion experience. CHA health promotion experience was neither indicative of differences in participant colorectal or breast cancer knowledge at 12 months, nor of changes in participant-reported cancer screening. However, participant prostate cancer knowledge at 12 months was greater when taught by CHAs with previous health promotion experience (P < 0.01). Prior health promotion experience of trained health advisors may not be pivotal across all contexts, but they may affect specific knowledge outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chang Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, SPH Building, 4200 Valley Drive, Rm 2234, College Park, MD 20742-2611, USA
| | - Maisha R Huq
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, SPH Building, 4200 Valley Drive, Rm 1234, College Park, MD 20742-2611, USA
| | - Xin He
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Maryland, SPH Building, 4200 Valley Drive, Rm 2234, College Park, MD 20742-2611, USA
| | - Cheryl L Knott
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, SPH Building, 4200 Valley Drive, Rm 1234, College Park, MD 20742-2611, USA
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Hill TG, Langley JE, Kervin EK, Pesut B, Duggleby W, Warner G. An Integrative Review on the Feasibility and Acceptability of Delivering an Online Training and Mentoring Module to Volunteers Working in Community Organizations. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:688982. [PMID: 34723241 PMCID: PMC8551809 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.688982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Volunteer programs that support older persons can assist them in accessing healthcare in an efficient and effective manner. Community-based initiatives that train volunteers to support patients with advancing illness is an important advance for public health. As part of implementing an effective community-based volunteer-based program, volunteers need to be sufficiently trained. Online training could be an effective and safe way to provide education for volunteers in both initial training and/or continuing education throughout their involvement as a volunteer. Method: We conducted an integrative review that synthesized literature on online training programs for volunteers who support older adults. The review included both a search of existing research literature in six databases, and an online search of online training programs currently being delivered in Canada. The purpose of this review was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of community-based organizations adopting an online training format for their volunteers. Results: The database search identified 13,626 records, these went through abstract and full text screen resulting in a final 15 records. This was supplemented by 2 records identified from hand searching the references, for a total of 17 articles. In addition to identifying Volunteers Roles and Responsibilities; Elements of Training; and Evaluation of Feasibility and Acceptability; a thematic analysis of the 17 records identified the categories: (1) Feasibility Promoting Factors; (2) Barriers to Feasibility; (3) Acceptability Promoting Factors; and (4) Barriers to Acceptability. Six programs were also identified in the online search of online training programs. These programs informed our understanding of delivery of existing online volunteer training programs. Discussion: Findings suggested that feasibility and acceptability of online training were promoted by (a) topic relevant training for volunteers; (b) high engagement of volunteers to prevent attrition; (c) mentorship or leadership component. Challenges to online training included a high workload; time elapsed between training and its application; and client attitude toward volunteers. Future research on online volunteer training should consider how online delivery can be most effectively paced to support volunteers in completing training and the technical skills needed to complete the training and whether teaching these skills can be integrated into programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor G. Hill
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jodi E. Langley
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily K. Kervin
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Barbara Pesut
- Nursing, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, BC, Canada
| | | | - Grace Warner
- School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Vilen LH, Altpeter M, Callahan LF. Overcoming Barriers to Walk With Ease Implementation in Community Organizations. Health Promot Pract 2021; 23:708-717. [PMID: 33797292 PMCID: PMC9393651 DOI: 10.1177/15248399211002851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction The Arthritis Foundation’s Walk With Ease (WWE) program has been shown to
reduce arthritis symptoms and increase physical performance for up to 1
year. However, research on community-based WWE implementation is limited.
The purpose of this study was to examine early implementation at community
organizations that received 1-year WWE implementation grants from the
Osteoarthritis Action Alliance. Method Program managers at five Osteoarthritis Action Alliance grantee organizations
participated in 45-minute telephone interviews. Interviewees represented
organizations with the highest WWE enrollment at 6 months
(n = 3, >30% of goal enrollment) and no enrollment
at 6 months (n = 2). The Planning for Sustainability
framework guided qualitative analysis of factors affecting early
implementation. Results All grantees were confident in WWE’s evidence base, thought it a beneficial
supplement to other programming, stressed the importance of senior
leadership support for WWE, and engaged community partners for marketing
support and as walking sites. Implementation experiences unique to low
enrollment grantees were (1) recent major structural changes within their
organization, (2) difficulties in communicating logistics internally, and
(3) difficulties in balancing WWE with other responsibilities. All
organizations experienced barriers that required altering their original
implementation plans; however, practical solutions like adapting the program
to improve flexibility, training organizational staff as leaders, and
utilizing community partnerships served to address multiple barriers
simultaneously. Discussion Building organizational capacity by overcoming early barriers is a key
element of early implementation. Our findings offer concrete solutions to
early WWE implementation barriers and suggest the need for further research
on adaptations to improve WWE’s flexibility in community organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigha H Vilen
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mary Altpeter
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Leigh F Callahan
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Washburn LT, Traywick L, Garrison MEB. Extension Educators and Volunteer Leaders: Evaluation of Fitness Outcomes Among Participants in Community Strength Training Classes. Front Public Health 2020; 8:566387. [PMID: 33194968 PMCID: PMC7604324 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.566387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Volunteer-led strength training classes can expand access, improve exercise adherence, and enhance intervention sustainability for older adults. This study compared participant functional fitness outcomes between volunteer-led and Extension educator-led StrongWomen strength training groups in community settings. Change scores for participants (n = 317) were calculated for six Senior Fitness Test (SFT) measures. A non-parametric analysis of independent samples to determine SFT score differences between participant groups (educator-led and volunteer-led) showed no significant differences. Volunteers and professionals, like Extension educators, may be similarly effective in conducting community-based strength training classes resulting in improved functional fitness outcomes. We offer recommendations for organizations seeking to adopt similar approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Tucker Washburn
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - LaVona Traywick
- Arkansas Colleges of Health Education, Fort Smith, AR, United States
| | - M. E. Betsy Garrison
- School of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
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Sharpe PA, Wilcox S, Stucker J, Kinnard D, Bernhart J, James KL. Community Health Advisors' Characteristics and Behaviors, Role Performance, and Volunteer Satisfaction in a Church-Based Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Intervention. J Community Health 2019; 45:88-97. [PMID: 31399893 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-019-00722-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Community Health Advisors (CHAs) contribute to health promotion program effectiveness, but their role in faith-based programs is understudied, and little is known about their role performance or satisfaction. In a dissemination and implementation study, 19 CHAs were trained to provide healthy eating (HE) and physical activity (PA) program training to church committees. Of these, 17 CHAs trained 347 attendees from 115 churches. Thirteen CHAs remained for the 12-month period and provided telephone-based technical assistance (TA) to churches. To evaluate their experiences and satisfaction, CHAs completed questionnaires at baseline and 12 months. Staff observers and church committee members evaluated CHAs' effectiveness as trainers. There were no significant changes in the CHAs' own body mass index, PA, fruit and vegetable intake, or self-rated health but significant increases in their perceived knowledge of PA (p = 0.01) and HE (p = 0.02). CHAs reported high agreement regarding the quality of their training for the role and moderate volunteer satisfaction on average but thought that the time required of them was somewhat more than expected, though they were interested in volunteering for a future, similar role. Church committee members agreed with CHAs' effectiveness as trainers and the helpfulness of the TA calls. Staff observers rated CHAs' as having covered 87.8% of church training content and agreed that, on average, the CHAs were effective trainers. Assessing CHAs' availability, clear communication about the time requirements, and over-recruitment to offset attrition and decrease the workload may be needed to improve retention and support satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Sharpe
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, First Floor, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Sara Wilcox
- Prevention Research Center and Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, First Floor, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Jessica Stucker
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, First Floor, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Deborah Kinnard
- Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, First Floor, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - John Bernhart
- Prevention Research Center and Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, First Floor, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Katherine L James
- South Carolina Conference, The United Methodist Church, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC, 29203, USA
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