Jelsma JGM, et al. - Here, researchers evaluate the process elements: reach, dose delivered, fidelity and satisfaction and aim to investigate whether these process elements were related to changes in gestational weight gain (GWG). Overall, the intervention was well delivered and received by the study population, but did not comply with all the principles of motivational interviewing (MI). Ensuring audio recording of lifestyle sessions throughout the study would facilitate the provision of individualized feedback to improve MI skills. A larger sample size is needed to affirm the lack of the relationship between process elements and GWG.

Methods

• Data on reach, dose delivered, fidelity, and satisfaction among 144 participants were collected.
• Weekly recruitment reports, notes from meetings, coach logs and evaluation questionnaires (n = 110) were consulted.
• Fidelity of eight (out of twelve) lifestyle coach practitioners was evaluated by examining audio recorded counselling sessions utilizing the MI treatment integrity scale.
• Moreover, a relationship between process elements and GWG were evaluated with linear regression examinations.

Results

• In this investigation, a total of 20% of the possible study population (reach) was included.
• On average 4.0 (of the intended 5) face-to-face sessions were delivered.
• Mean MI fidelity almost reached ‘expert opinion’ threshold for the global scores, but was below ‘beginning proficiency’ for the behavioural counts.
• High variability in quality of MI between practitioners was identified.
• Participants were highly satisfied with the intervention, the lifestyle coach and the intervention materials.
• There were no significant associations between process elements and GWG.