Aim

To promote the use of Behaviour Change strategies (including motivational interviewing) with Health Care Professionals working with overweight / obese clients primarily in the health action zones in Carmarthenshire.

To motivate clients to make lifestyle changes that will improve the outcome of weight management interventions.

Methodology

Current knowledge from the field of health behaviour change indicates giving advice alone is not enough to bring about lifestyle change. Behaviour change training (BCT) equips Health Care Professionals (HCP) to influence change to enable individuals to take responsibility for and improve their health. This initiative proposes to do a qualitative assessment of current practice in weight management and provide Behaviour Change Training BCT to H.C.P.’s working with overweight and obese clients, through a structured education programme delivered locally (by a registered trainer). Evaluation of the project will be through audit.

Results

18 H.C.P.s trained in the behavioural approach.

Increased knowledge amongst HCPs in Carmarthenshire of value of this approach. Anticipate through audit to demonstrate effect of this approach on outcomes.

Evaluation

To follow on completion of audit

Reflection

Comments so far indicate greater effectiveness and practitioner satisfaction when working with weight management clients (reported by practitioners).

Further action

Plan for roll out of training / sustainability depending on outcomes of audit.