title: Implementation of a SNAP intervention in two divisions of general practice: a feasibility study.
abstract: "SNAP" is a model for the general practice management of four common behavioural risk factors: smoking, nutrition, alcohol and physical activity. The SNAP program was developed for the Australian Government in 2002. In 2003 and 2004, a feasibility study was conducted in one urban and one rural division of general practice (DGP) in NSW, in partnership with their local area health services. Information technology support and referral directories were developed, based on an initial needs assessment, SNAP guidelines, a clinical summary chart, patient education materials, and general practitioner and staff training. GPs reported that the SNAP approach fitted general practice consultations well. After its implementation, they were more confident in using motivational interviewing and SNAP interventions and referred more frequently. The impact and sustainability of the SNAP program were limited by a lack of effective practice teamwork, poor linkages with referral services, and the lack of a business model to support SNAP in the practices. DGPs could play an important role in providing practice visits and resources to improve communication, education and collaboration to support SNAP programs.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Level 3, Samuels Building, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia. m.f.harris@unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: Mark F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Coletta
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hobbs
authors.forename: Gawaine
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Powell Davies
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Simpson
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Bernard
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Stubbs
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development / Q000191:economics; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D012648:Self Care; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014504:Urban Health