Learning through design using collaborative Intervention Mapping with acceptability evaluation: the case of a group-based farm safety intervention

• Published in: The journal of agricultural education and extension 2021-05, Vol.27 (3), p.403-420
• Main Authors: O'Connor, Tracey, Kinsella, James, McNamara, John, O'Hora, Denis, Meredith, David
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acceptability; Agricultural Occupations; Collaboration; Cooperation; dairy; Dairy farming; Dairy farms; Design; Discussion Groups; Ecological models; Farmers; Foreign Countries; Group dynamics; Health promotion; Intervention; intervention mapping; Interviews; Iterative methods; Learning; Literature reviews; Mapping; Occupational Safety and Health; Participant Observation; peer learning; Peer Teaching; Program Development; Public health; safe work; Safety; Safety Education; Schedules; Semi Structured Interviews; socio-ecological model
• ISSN: 1389-224X; 1750-8622
• DOI: 10.1080/1389224X.2020.1858889

To systematically develop a farm safety intervention for farmer peer learning groups, to support safe working practice adoption. An iterative, multi-actor process was used, guided by the Intervention Mapping framework and the Socio-Ecological Model. The target peer learning groups were Irish dairy farmer discussion groups (DDGs). Literature review, semi-structured interviews, surveys, and participant observation informed an initial intervention design, which provided a starting point for collaborative intervention development. The final design comprised two intervention approaches, A and B, differing in frequency and discussion length. In a seven-month cluster-randomised, controlled pilot study, 76 DDGs implemented the design. The designs were standardised but adaptable to individual group interests and schedules. Pre-pilot feedback from farm advisors (intervention deliverers), and farmer and advisor recruitment, indicated good intervention acceptability initially. Challenges were experienced during implementation, but 52% of DDGs participating in the infrequent, long discussions approach ('A') and 72% of those in the frequent, short discussions approach ('B') completed at least some of the protocol. The multi-actor approach resulted in two flexible, acceptable designs, responsive to group culture and dynamics. Frequent, short discussions were acceptable to a greater number of groups than infrequent, long discussions. The Socio-Ecological Model, combined with multi-actor Intervention Mapping, provided a robust framework for the development of acceptable, practical, evidence-based farm safety and health promotion initiatives. The systematic public health research-driven approach evolved iteratively to a DDG practice-driven approach, through integration of Intervention Mapping with collaborative multi-actor design.