Effectiveness of small-group interactive education vs. lecture-based information-only programs on motivation to change and lifestyle behaviours. A prospective controlled trial of rehabilitation inpatients.

OBJECTIVE

Although patient education may promote motivation to change health behaviours, the most effective method has not yet been determined.

METHODS

This prospective, controlled trial compared an interactive, patient-oriented group program with lectures providing only information. We evaluated motivational stages of change and self-reported behaviours in three domains (sports, diet, relaxation) at four times up to one year (60% complete data) among 753 German rehabilitation inpatients (mean age 50 years, 52% male) with orthopaedic (59%) or cardiologic disorders (10%) or diabetes mellitus (31%).

RESULTS

We found improvements between baseline and follow up regarding each outcome (p<.001) in both groups. At the end of rehabilitation, participants of the interactive group, as compared to the lectures, showed more advanced motivation regarding diet (p<.10) and sports (p=.006). Interactive group patients reported healthier diets both after 3 months (p=0.013) and 12 months (p=0.047), more relaxation behaviours (p=.029) after 3 months and higher motivation for sports after 12 months (p=.08).

CONCLUSIONS

The superior effectiveness of the interactive group was only partly confirmed.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This short, 5-session interactive program may not be superior to lectures to induce major sustainable changes in motivation.