Implementation of a lifestyle program in primary care by nurse practitioners.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to describe the implementation process and participant satisfaction with a lifestyle program provided by nurse practitioners (NPs) in primary care to adults at risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) compared to enhanced standard care.


METHODS
A mixed-method clinical trial design was used (n= 58). NPs were interviewed prior to beginning the program, at 3 months, and at completion of the program. NPs also completed a questionnaire on lifestyle counseling at baseline. Process data were collected on attendance, attrition, and intervention fidelity. Participants completed a satisfaction survey at completion of the program and a sub-sample were interviewed at the end of the program.


CONCLUSIONS
NPs reported that they felt well-prepared and moderately effective in providing lifestyle change counseling. Participant attendance was high and in-person sessions were implemented with good success. Participants in the lifestyle program were more satisfied with the program, reporting that the program was a good experience.


CONCLUSIONS
Implementation of a lifestyle program to prevent T2D in primary care is feasible and acceptable to NPs and participants. Developing a structured program may improve health outcomes.
Yale School of Nursing, New Haven, Connecticut 06536-0740, USA. robin.whittemore@yale.edu
Robin
R
Whittemore
Gail D'Eramo
GD
Melkus
Nanette
N
Alexander
Stacie
S
Zibel
Elizabeth
E
Visone
Ulrike
U
Muench
Elizabeth
E
Magenheimer
Stephanie
S
Wilborne
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009511:New England; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D036301:Qualitative Research