Lifestyle risk factors: Evidence based strategies to support behaviour change

This activity will focus on the evidence and strategies to support changes of patient behaviour in regard to lifestyle risk factors. Patient identification will utilise the 5 As concept, as well as the implementation of electronic tools and processes at practice level. The various strategies used to engage patients at the consultation and practice levels will be explored. Ongoing support options will be considered.

This activity utilises the information and resources available on other websites. It is strongly recommended you take the opportunity to familiarise yourself with these sites when prompted.

At the completion of this Active Learning Module participants will be able to:

• Identify opportunities in general practice to prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
• Identify and use key guidelines, tools and resources that support general practice in providing prevention.
• Design and implement practice based systems to support prevention and improve patient outcomes.
• Ensure patient safety by applying evidence based guidelines to effectively engage patients in lifestyle change and provide appropriate ongoing support.
• Appreciate the central role of general practice in the identification and management of lifestyle risk factors.
• Access a range of useful resources online.

The module design has been based on adult learning principles and incorporates a range of interactive activities including case studies, personal reflection, videos, review questions and practical exercises. The activities will build on your existing knowledge and experience and support you to make practical changes in your practice.

This educational activity aims to take advantage of the online learning mode to raise your awareness of a range of tools and resources available to support you in prevention activities that are currently available on the internet.

In Victoria, Cancer Council Victoria, Heart Foundation (Victoria), Diabetes Australia – Vic, the National Stroke Foundation and General Practice Victoria acknowledge that providing consistent information to general practice is important. Creating the Victorian General Practice Prevention Alliance (VGPPA) they seek to support general practice by providing consistent information to general practice regarding prevention of all the major chronic conditions by focusing strategies on lifestyle risk factors. In this vein, VGPPA has produced the following Active Learning Module to support your work.

You do not need to complete this activity in one sitting. You can close the activity at any time, and any answers you have submitted will be saved.

You will need the latest version of Flash to view the module - you can download the latest version here: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/

This education was developed by Darlene Henning and the members of the Victorian General Practice Prevention Alliance and was prepared by Dr Claire Berman and Dr John Crimmins.

There is a discussion forum for this activity and we encourage you to participate after you have completed the education.