What next for behaviour change professional development in general practice? Insights from an environmental scan and workshops

Abstract

Background: A key role of general practice professionals (that is, GPs, and general practice nurses [GPNs]) is to support patients to change behaviours. Traditional approaches to assisting patients with, and learning about, behaviour change have modest outcomes. Aim: To explore behaviour change with GPs and GPNs and the availability of related professional development (PD) opportunities. Design & setting: Multi-methods study comprising an environmental scan survey of behaviour change tools and PD opportunities, and online workshops with Australian GPs and GPNs. Method: Survey data were analysed using qualitative content analysis, informing the design of the workshops. Workshop data included observation, note-taking, and collaborative reflection, which were analysed thematically and synthesised with survey data. Results: The survey had 18 complete responses. For the two virtual workshops, workshop 1 had 16 participants and workshop 2 had eight participants. There was diversity in awareness of existing behaviour change tools and resources. Preferences for future tools and PD opportunities related to specific aspects of its design, content, activities, and delivery. The following three themes developed from the workshop data: recognising the importance of relationships; recognising the importance of continuity; and keeping context in mind. In the absence of tools and resources, GPs and GPNs discussed behaviour change as something that occurs best through a patient-centred alliance that is continuing, respectful, grounded in trust and an understanding of their patient, and prioritises patient autonomy. Conclusion: Future general practice behaviour change PD should support clinicians to ‘assist’ patients and recognise the social and contextual influences on behaviour.

Keywords

• behavioural change
• primary health care
• general practitioners
• nurses