Training of Peer Coaches to Assist Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis Prepare and Recover From Total Knee Replacement.

Objective: The objective of this study is to outline the training of peer coaches in the Moving Well intervention, which was designed to reduce anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing in patients before and after total knee replacement (TKR).

Methods: Selected peer coaches had a history of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a TKR of 12 months or more before training, and were 60 or older. Training was primarily conducted virtually, with a later addition of one in-person session. Training centered on developing skills in motivational interviewing (MoI), encompassing techniques like open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarization. It also covered the MoI processes of engagement, focus, evocation, and planning. Coaches were required to discuss at least 90% of session-specific topics, which were monitored using checklists for each certification, and to complete individual MoI training, which was not graded. The evaluation of peer coach training involved surveys and a focus group.

Results: Three women and two men, averaging 75 years in age, completed the peer coach training for the Moving Well intervention. An in-person training session was added to address technology and MoI skill concerns, greatly enhancing their grasp of MoI skills and their ability to guide others through the program effectively. Peer coaches stressed the importance of live feedback, in-person training, and incorporating personal experiences into the program content during their training.

Conclusion: To effectively train older adults as peer coaches for the Moving Well intervention, flexibility in learning formats, personalized guidance, peer support, and regular evaluations were essential in building the necessary MoI competencies to guide research participants in the program.