The delivery of childhood weight management programmes has risen up the political agenda in the UK. The SIGN 115⁽¹⁾ and NICE 43⁽²⁾ guidelines recommended that childhood weight management programmes incorporate behavioural change techniques. The present study aimed at assessing and evaluating changes in participants' confidence in the practical use of behavioural change tools after a 2-d training in paediatric obesity and its management.

A semi-quantitative questionnaire was distributed among participants pre- and post-training and completed by trainees anonymously. A five-point Likert scale was used to assess confidence. Descriptive analysis of data was undertaken to quantify the self-reported changes in confidence and practice from pre- to post-training.

Twenty-one participants, all dietitians (nineteenth health, two health and education) undertook the training in 2010. Twenty completed both the pre- and post-questionnaires. The scope of experience in childhood obesity ranged from none (1/21) to greater than 3 years (11/21). Table 1 shows the changes in the Likert scoring pre- and post-training. Prior to the training 0% (0/20) gave a confidence score of 4/5 on the Likert scale for assessing the child's readiness to change, with 71.4% (15/21) giving a 4/5 score after training. For enabling the child to set goals prior to training, 33.3% (7/20) gave a 4/5 score, after 81% (17/21). Confidence in enabling problem solving increased from 5% (1/20) with a 4/5 score to post-training 76% (16/21). Confidence in establishing rapport increased from a pre-training level of 71.4% (15/20) at 4/5 score to 100%.

Table 1.

Showing changes in confidence pre- and post-training

This study highlighted the importance of ensuring training for professional staff involved in childhood obesity to ensure they have the appropriate tools and confidence to use them in engaging with obese children and their families.