Browsing by Author "Wicklum, Sonja"

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    Improving obesity management training in family medicine: multi-methods evaluation of the 5AsT-MD pilot course
    (2020-01-07) Luig, Thea; Wicklum, Sonja; Heatherington, Melanie; Vu, Albert; Cameron, Erin; Klein, Doug; Sharma, Arya M; Campbell-Scherer, Denise L
    Abstract Background Quality, evidence-based obesity management training for family medicine residents is needed to better support patients. To address this gap, we developed a comprehensive course based on the 5As of Obesity Management™ (ASK, ASSESS, ADVISE, AGREE, ASSIST), a framework and suite of resources to improve residents’ knowledge and confidence in obesity counselling. This study assessed the course’s impact on residents’ attitudes, beliefs, and confidence with obesity counselling. Methods The course combines lectures with a bariatric empathy suit experience, standardized and in-clinic patient practice, and narrative reflections. Using a multi-methods design we measured changes in 42 residents’ attitudes, beliefs, and self-confidence and thematically analyzed the narrative reflections to understand residents’ experience with the course content and pedagogy. Results Following the course, residents reported improved attitudes towards people living with obesity and improved confidence for obesity counselling. Pre/post improvement in BAOP scores (n = 32) were significant (p < .001)., ATOP scores did not change significantly. Residents showed improvement in assessing root causes of weight gain (p < .01), advising patients on treatment options (p < .05), agreeing with patients on health outcomes (p < .05), assisting patients in addressing their barriers (p < .05), counseling patients on weight gain during pregnancy, (p < .05), counseling patients on depression and anxiety (p < .01), counseling patients on iatrogenic causes of weight gain (p < .01), counseling patients who have children with obesity (p < .05), and referring patients to interdisciplinary providers for care (p < .05). Qualitative analysis of narrative reflections illustrates that experiential learning was crucial in increasing residents’ ability to empathically engage with patients and to critically reflect on implications for their practice. Conclusion The 5AsT-MD course has the potential to increase residents’ confidence and competency in obesity prevention and management. Findings reflect the utility of the 5As to improve residents’ confidence and competency in obesity management counselling.
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    Spread of Makoyoh’sokoi (Wolf Trail): a community led, physical activity-based, holistic wellness program for Indigenous women in Canada
    (2023-08-12) Frehlich, Levi; Amson, Ashley; Doyle-Baker, Patricia; Black, Tia; Boustead, Dawn; Cameron, Erin; Crowshoe, Lynden (Lindsay); McBrien, Kerry; Ji, Yunqi (Jacob); McGuire, Ashlee; Oliver, Alicia; Tuttauk, Loretta; Zhang, Jessica; Checholik, Carly; Wicklum, Sonja
    Abstract Globally, Indigenous populations have been impacted by colonization. Populations who have endured colonization are at higher risk of developing chronic diseases. Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission emphasizes reducing barriers to participation in physical activity and recommends the creation of culturally relevant and supportive policies and programing. Physical activity is a cornerstone in health promotion and public health to combat chronic diseases; however, in Canada, Indigenous developed physical activity programing is sparse, and those targeting women are non-existent in some regions. Makoyoh'sokoi (The Wolf Trail Program) is an 18-week long, holistic wellness program that was created by and for Indigenous women. Makoyoh'sokoi was developed by communities following extensive consultation and cultural oversight. Makoyoh'sokoi’s core program consists of 12 weeks of weekly physical activity programing and health education, followed by another 6 weeks of weekly health education. Notably, communities have control over the program to modify based on individual needs and challenges. Programs commence and conclude with a ceremony with Elders giving a blessing and opening each other to connection. The goals of Makoyoh'sokoi are to empower women, improve health outcomes, and to implement a sustainable program by training a network of community members in their respective communities to facilitate delivery.