Evaluation of a train-the-trainer program for stable coronary artery disease management in community settings: A pilot study

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of conducting a train-the-trainer (TTT) program for stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) management in community settings.

Methods

The study involved two steps: (1) tutors trained community nurses as trainers and (2) the community nurses trained patients. 51 community nurses attended a 2-day TTT program and completed questionnaires assessing knowledge, self-efficacy, and satisfaction. By a feasibility and non-randomized control study, 120 SCAD patients were assigned either to intervention group (which received interventions from trained nurses) or control group (which received routine management). Pre- and post-intervention, patients’ self-management behaviors and satisfaction were assessed to determine the program’s overall impact.

Results

Community nurses’ knowledge and self-efficacy improved (P < 0.001), as did intervention group patients’ self-management behaviors (P < 0.001). The satisfaction of community nurses and patients was all very positive after training.

Conclusion

The TTT program for SCAD management in community settings in China was generally feasible and effective, but many obstacles remain including patients’ noncompliance, nurses’ busy work schedules, and lack of policy supports.

Practice implications

Finding ways to enhance the motivation of community nurses and patients with SCAD are important in implementing community-based TTT programs for SCAD management; further multicenter and randomized control trials are needed.