Teen CHAT: Development and utilization of a web-based intervention to improve physician communication with adolescents about healthy weight.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

OBJECTIVE: To describe the theoretical basis, use, and satisfaction with Teen CHAT, an online educational intervention designed to improve physician-adolescent communication about healthy weight. METHODS: Routine health maintenance encounters between pediatricians and family practitioners and their overweight adolescent patients were audio recorded, and content was coded to summarize adherence with motivational interviewing techniques. An online educational intervention was developed using constructs from social cognitive theory and using personalized audio recordings. Physicians were randomized to the online intervention or not, and completed post-intervention surveys. RESULTS: Forty-six physicians were recruited, and 22 physicians were randomized to view the intervention website. The educational intervention took an average of 54min to complete, and most physicians thought it was useful, that they would use newly acquired skills with their patients, and would recommend it to others. Fewer physicians thought it helped them address confidentiality issues with their adolescent patients. CONCLUSION: The Teen CHAT online intervention shows potential for enhancing physician motivational interviewing skills in an acceptable and time-efficient manner. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: If found to be effective in enhancing motivational interviewing skills and changing adolescent weight-related behaviors, wide dissemination will be feasible and indicated.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Bravender, T; Tulsky, JA; Farrell, D; Alexander, SC; Østbye, T; Lyna, P; Dolor, RJ; Coffman, CJ; Bilheimer, A; Lin, P-H; Pollak, KI

Published Date

  • December 2013

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 93 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 525 - 531

PubMed ID

  • 24021419

Pubmed Central ID

  • PMC3851886

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1873-5134

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.pec.2013.08.017

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • Ireland