Supporting patient adherence to physical activity and exercise: evaluation of a behavior change counseling training program for physiotherapists

Background: Physiotherapists promote physical activity and exercise, yet patient adherence is often poor. To support patient adherence, behavior change techniques (BCTs) should be applied. These are insufficiently covered in physiotherapy curricula. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate a behavior change counseling training program for physiotherapists. The specific aims were to investigate: (1) physiotherapists' satisfaction with the training; (2) changes in physiotherapists' knowledge of BCTs and communication techniques immediately after the training and 6 weeks later; and (3) changes in physiotherapists' self-reported use of these techniques 6 weeks after the training. Methods: We conducted a single-group pre-post intervention study. Data of 56 physiotherapists (47 female, mean age 48.0 years) who participated in the training program "BeFo" (German: "Bewegungstherapie-Fortbildungen") were analyzed. Knowledge of BCTs and communication techniques, intention to apply these techniques, action and coping planning were assessed at baseline (t1), after the training (t2), and 6 weeks later (t3) using questionnaires. Participants' satisfaction was evaluated at t2, their use of BCTs and communication techniques at t1 and t3. Results: Fifty-four participants (96.4%) were satisfied with BeFo. One-way repeated-measures ANOVAs and Friedman's ANOVA revealed increased knowledge (Chi(2)(2) = 28.12, p < .001) and improved action planning (F(2, 98) = 22.65; p < .001) and coping planning (F(2, 100) = 19.28, p < .001) at t2 and t3. Higher use of BCTs and communication techniques at t3 was identified when participants with high baseline values were excluded. Conclusion: BeFo could be successfully implemented for physiotherapists. Our results imply that BeFo is a promising approach to improve physiotherapists' behavior change counseling skills.