Adaptation, delivery and evaluation of a behaviour change training programme for farm advisors

<b>Purpose</b><br/>Farm advisors provide advice and support to farmers, to help them change their on-farm behaviours. Despite their role as behaviour change helpers, little formal behaviour change training exists within advisory education. This study aims to adapt a behaviour change programme delivered to health practitioners to the advisory setting and evaluate its efficacy.<br/><br/><b>Design/methodology/approach</b><br/>A mixed-methods, pre–post study was conducted. The programme was adapted from the ‘MAP of Health Behaviour Change Learning Programme’ (MAP) developed by NHS Education for Scotland. Eight advisors based in Teagasc (Republic of Ireland) completed an eLearning module and an in-person workshop facilitated by health psychologists, about the principles of person-centred communication and behaviour change techniques. Quantitative questionnaire data were descriptively analysed. Qualitative data were thematically analysed.<br/><br/><b>Findings</b><br/>Advisors scored highly in perceived knowledge (mean: 5.6) post-training (6-point Likert scale). Three themes were elucidated: valuable activities, learnings, and programme evolution. Advisors valued open discussions and role-playing activities. A key learning was how to structure conversations about change. Further training on building motivation was deemed beneficial.<br/><br/><b>Practical implication</b><br/>This study offers insights for those involved in advisory education, on ways of enhancing the skills of advisors to support farmers to change their on-farm behaviours, for instance related to antimicrobial use record keeping.<br/><br/><b>Theoretical implication</b><br/>The MAP programme is transferrable to other disciplines outside health, who also provide behaviour change support.<br/><br/><b>Originality/value</b><br/>This study proposes that adapting and delivering a behaviour change programme from the health setting, can enhance advisors’ skills at supporting on-farm behaviour change.<br/><br/><br/>