The case for behavioural change counselling for the prevention of NCDs and improvement of self-management of chronic conditions

Figures & data

Table 1: Primary healthcare providers CAN make a difference

Smoking: Healthcare providers are effective in helping smokers quit by providing brief advice on how to quit, medical treatment for withdrawal symptoms (NRT) and referral to support services such as Quitlines. Patients report that what doctors say and do about smoking in the consultation makes a huge difference to their motivation to quit and increases the likelihood of long-term success^22–24

Risky alcohol use: Brief counselling interventions in primary care settings and patient-centred counselling, such as Motivational Interviewing, are effective in reducing the overall level of alcohol consumption, changing harmful drinking patterns, preventing future drinking problems and improving health in people who are not heavily dependent on alcohol^25–27

Physical activity: Patients increase their levels of physical activity in response to brief advice and print materials given by primary care clinicians. Longer counselling sessions and follow-up visits are also effective^28

Nutrition: Low-intensity interventions by primary care providers of five minutes or less, supplemented by patient self-help materials, can increase the intake of fruits, vegetables and high fibre and reduce dietary fat intake. Medium-to-high-intensity counselling in either group or individual sessions by a nutritionist, dietitian or a specially trained primary care clinician has a larger effect. Ongoing support is necessary for successful, sustained weight loss^29

Smith B. Promotion of physical activity in primary health care: update of the evidence on interventions. J Sci Med Sport. 2004;7(1):67–73.10.1016/S1440-2440(04)80280-9

 PubMedGoogle Scholar

Pignone MP, Ammerman A, Fernandez L, et al. Counseling to promote a healthy diet in adults. Am J Prev Med. 2003;24(1):75–92.10.1016/S0749-3797(02)00580-9

 PubMed Web of Science ®Google Scholar