Staff perspectives on the use of a computer-based concept for lifestyle intervention implemented in primary health care

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate staff experiences of the usage of a computer-based concept for lifestyle testing and tailored advice implemented in routine primary health care (PHC). DesignThe design of the study was a cross-sectional, retrospective survey. SettingThe study population consisted of staff at nine PHC units in the county of Östergötland, Sweden. MethodAfter a computer-based concept for lifestyle intervention had been in operation for 1 year, a questionnaire was distributed to all staff members. The questions concerned experiences of and attitudes to the concept, and comments on addressing lifestyle issues in PHC. ResultsOf the 291 potential respondents, 59% returned the questionnaire. Eighty-five percent found it positive to refer to the computer-based test, and 93% of those who had read the written advice generated by the computer, agreed with the advice provided. Seventy-five percent thought that the concept could have an effect on a patient's lifestyle, and 78% had confidence in the computer-based test. Staff at smaller PHC units had more positive attitudes (p=0.003) and referred a higher proportion of their patients to the computer-based test than 3 staff at larger units (p=0.000). Follow-up rates showed no significant differences between the categories.Staff believed that inclusion of more lifestyle areas, e.g. smoking and dietary habits, would make the test more useful. More time, education and the establishment of lifestyle practices were issues suggested in order to enhance the focus on lifestyle factors. ConclusionStaff members have confidence in the computerized test and consider it a valuable tool. A development towards more lifestyle areas will make it even more useful.

Usability and utility of eHealth for physical activity counselling in primary health care: a scoping review

“…Four articles (50.00%) reported controversial outcomes (e.g. easiness vs technical issues) [ 30 , 32 , 39 , 47 ]. Two articles (25.00%) stated ineffective usability among PHC providers due to inexperienced staff, complications of the programme, and technical problems [ 33 , 36 ].…”

“…Among nine articles indicated providers’ utility, five articles (55.56%) reported effective outcomes (e.g. usefulness of eHealth) [ 30 , 39 , 44 , 45 , 47 ]. Two articles (22.22%) presented the feasibility of eHealth for PA counselling in PHC, however some barriers to implement the eHealth were addressed such as intervention costs [ 32 , 41 ].…”

Primary Health Care Providers’ Perspectives on Developing an eHealth Tool for Physical Activity Counselling: A Qualitative Study

“…[19][20][21][34][35][36][37][38][39] Numerous studies have explored PA as a stand-alone topic for counselling, 17,[19][20][21]34,37,[39][40][41][42] while others have explored counselling for combinations of PA and other health behaviors (eg nutrition, smoking, and alcohol use). 15,16,18,23,35,36,38,[43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51] Among these studies, the outcomes of using eHealth technologies for PA counselling in PHC settings were diverse. 52 This is reflective of the different needs across the wide range of PHC settings.…”

New Developments in Brief Interventions to Treat Problem Drinking in Nonspecialty Health Care Settings

“…For instance, only 11% of US EDs routinely screen for alcohol, and staff feel they lack the time and resources for this work [ 8 ]. Qualitative studies and surveys of provider opinion have explored issues concerning the implementation of SBI in health care settings [ 53 – 58 ]. This work largely paints a familiar picture, albeit extending knowledge to countries such as Slovenia and Thailand: providers endorse the interventions and believe they could deliver them but do not have the support or opportunity to do so.…”