General practitioners' perceptions of and involvement in health behaviour change: can computer-tailored interventions help?
OBJECTIVE
To explore GPs' perceptions of their role in primary prevention, barriers experienced and willingness to accommodate an automated, computer-tailored intervention.


BACKGROUND
General practice is an attractive setting for primary prevention of chronic disease. Due to constraints in time and knowledge it is underutilised.


METHODS
Telephone interviews of 13 GPs in Brisbane, Australia, whose patients were previously involved in a lifestyle change research project. Qualitative responses were grouped into themes.


RESULTS
GPs perceived their role in lifestyle change as 'educators', 'supporters' and 'prompters'. Smoking and physical activity were addressed more often than alcohol and salt intake. Longer lifestyle-focussed consultations and computer-generated reminders were suggested to overcome barriers. A computer-tailored approach was appreciated due to its minimal impact on practice routine. GPs understand their role in primary prevention but need help to overcome barriers. GP initiated consultations focusing on lifestyle and prevention along with computer support systems could improve capability for prevention in general practice.
1Medical Student,University of Queensland,Herston,Queensland,Australia.
Marilla
M
Dickfos
2Senior Lecturer,School of Medicine,The University of Queensland,Herston,Queensland,Australia.
David
D
King
3School of Population Health,The University of Queensland,Herston,Queensland,Australia.
Sanjoti
S
Parekh
4Head of Social Science & Health Systems Group,School of Population Health,The University of Queensland,Herston,Queensland,Australia.
Frances M
FM
Boyle
5Research Fellow,Institute for Health and Social Science Research,Centre for Physical Activity Studies,Central Queensland University,Rockhampton,Queensland,Australia.
Corneel
C
Vandelanotte
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000517:prevention & control*; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology* / Q000592:standards; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011793:Queensland; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects
behavioural change; chronic disease; general practice; lifestyle; primary care