DPP Certified Facilitator's Training: Lessons Learned in Minnesota

Objective:

• Describe effective components of a training program to certify Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) facilitators.
• Examine evaluation results from 4 trainings.
• Review criteria used to select and develop DPP trainers.
• Share lessons learned.

Background: The Minnesota Diabetes Program contracted with Dr. David Marrero, Indiana Diabetes Translation Research Center (DTRC), to lead two standardized 2-day trainings certifying facilitators in the 16 week DPP lifestyle balance program for people with prediabetes. Training content was based on the DPP and DTRC’s PlanForward programs. Experienced facilitators selected from this group led the next two trainings, building capacity for a self-sustaining statewide, community-based program.

Methods: Post session surveys (n=72) of four 16 hour trainings held between December 2007 and July 2009, and interviews with community health workers from one training for Spanish language groups will be presented.

Results:  Of the 72 certified facilitators, 26% are YMCA or fitness staff, 26% community health workers or educators, 24% clinic dietitians or nurses, 11% public health staff, 8% parish nurses, and 5% other. Of these, 11 are Spanish speaking, 3 deaf, 2 American Indian, 1 Hmong and 1 Somali. Over 90% rated all aspects of the training as valuable. Spanish-speaking facilitators requested visual participant materials and prefer to be taught in Spanish.  As a result of training, 17 DPP groups were initiated by certified facilitators by October 2009.

Conclusion: DPP facilitator certification training programs can be successfully offered to community staff.