Part 2 - Identifying and enrolling patients

Part 2 - Identifying and enrolling patients

Enrolling patients

It is important to consider how you will identify and attract suitable patients to the initiative. Below are some examples of how you could achieve this:

• Use your clinical information system to identify a particular cohort of patients (e.g., 40–60-year-old, BMI over 25 and/or with a chronic disease related to overweight/obesity) and invite them to make an appointment to discuss Healthy Habits
• Initiate conversations in consultations
• Start the conversation by asking your patient if they are interested in discussing simple ways to improve their physical activity or nutrition (see Patient Pathways for advice on how to facilitate the conversation)

• Promote Healthy Habits in your waiting room with our downloadable posters and patient brochures
• Promote Healthy Habits on your website, waiting room TV’s, social media or practice newsletter using our downloadable promotional pack 

Identifying suitable patients for Healthy Habits

Healthy Habits can be used by anyone; however, some patients will be more suitable than others. Through pilot testing, we have found that patients with the following characteristics tend to get the most out of Healthy Habits. Please note, patients do not have to meet all these requirements to participate.

Healthy Habits is typically suitable for patients who:

• are aged 40 years and over
• have low levels of physical activity
• are at risk of, or have chronic disease related to lifestyle
• may be on a Chronic Disease Management Plan
• would benefit from doing more physical activity and a better diet
• have limited knowledge of health and nutrition
• have a smart phone and can download and use apps
• have not engaged much in healthy living apps or programs before 

Assessing patient readiness

It is important to also determine how ready or open each patient is to change. The Patient Pathways provides further details to help assess patients and understand their commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Patients who are in early stages of behaviour change (contemplation and preparation) would be well suited. The Patient Pathways provides advice for you to support patients at all stages of change.