Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
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 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.
Brickley et al. (Thu,) studied this question.