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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2013 Dec;93(3):525-31.
doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2013.08.017. Epub 2013 Aug 23.

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

Terrill Bravender  1 , James A Tulsky, David Farrell, Stewart C Alexander, Truls Østbye, Pauline Lyna, Rowena J Dolor, Cynthia J Coffman, Alicia Bilheimer, Pao-Hwa Lin, Kathryn I Pollak
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

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

Terrill Bravender et al. Patient Educ Couns. 2013 Dec.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Adolescents; Motivational interviewing; Obesity; Overweight; Physician–patient communication; Tailored intervention.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Conceptual model
(adapted from Walsh & McPhee (30))
Figure 2
Figure 2
Screen shot of educational module summary
Figure 3
Figure 3
Screen shot summary of use of open-ended questions
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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