Healthcare and School Professionals’ Satisfaction with Implementation of Finnish Smart Family Practice in Poland

Abstract

Background: Poland is one of six countries implementing the Finnish Smart Family practice under the Joint Action Health4EUKids, aimed at supporting families in adopting lifestyle counseling methods and preventing childhood obesity across the European Union. Material and method: Since March 2024, Poland has implemented Smart Family tools through training sessions for professionals who work or will work with families of children with excess body weight. A total of 295 individuals have been trained, including 52.2% dietitians, 34.9% nurses, and 12.9% school staff such as teachers, school counselors, and psychologists. Before and after the training sessions, participants completed a survey assessing their knowledge of the Smart Family Practice, and familiarity with supportive tools. Results: Among 295 participants, nearly half reported no prior experience with family-based lifestyle change interventions. Post-training, over 70% expressed readiness to implement the SMART FAMILY method, with high interest (80.7%), motivation (76.5%), and satisfaction (83.6%). Most recognized its potential to support healthy lifestyles and parental engagement (>85%). Key barriers included lack of family cooperation (87.8%), staff shortages (81.0%), limited training (78.4%), and insufficient resources (43%). Conclusions: A high level of acceptance and motivation among participants indicates that the SMART FAMILY method has the potential for effective adaptation in Poland. Its implementation requires strengthening specialists’ skills and providing appropriate organizational resources. Overcoming barriers such as lack of experience, limited time, and difficulties in engaging families is crucial to achieving lasting intervention outcomes.