A qualitative investigation exploring how health-promoting behaviours are discussed in general practice

Abstract

BACKGROUND: General practice is an essential existing network where health professionals have a captive audience to discuss and encourage patient participation in health-promoting behaviours. Currently, little research has examined the extent to which these behaviours are discussed between health practitioners and patients, and the context and content of these discussions. METHODS: Health professionals (N=20) in general practice settings participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Health-promoting behaviours are discussed at most consultations; however, they are often brief, ad hoc, and with no formal process to the discussions. Reactive health discussions (discussions occur through discovery of a new condition/treatment of a presenting concern) or proactive health discussions (discussions occur through the need to change some aspect of the patients’ health profile to prevent future health concerns) form the context of these discussions. Information giving was the common technique used to help change patients’ behaviour with little elaboration or follow-up on these health messages. DISCUSSION: Health practitioners are discussing health-prompting behaviours with their patients; however, advice and guidance on delivering effective behaviour-modification programs may be needed.