Promoting lifestyle behaviour change and well-being in hospital patients: a pilot study of an evidence-based psychological intervention

Background: Depression in adolescence is a common and serious mental health problem. In the UK, access to evidence-based psychological treatments is limited, and training and employing therapists to deliver these is expensive. Brief behavioural activation for the treatment of depression (BATD) has great potential for use with adolescents and to be delivered by a range of healthcare professionals, but there is limited empirical investigation with this group. Aims: To adapt BATD for depressed adolescents (Brief BA) and conduct a pilot study to assess feasibility, acceptability and clinical effectiveness. Method: Twenty depressed adolescents referred to the local NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health service (CAMHs) were offered eight sessions of Brief BA followed by a review around one month later. Self- and parent-reported routine outcome measures (ROMs) were collected at every session. Results: Nineteen of the 20 young people fully engaged with the treatment and all reported finding some aspect of Brief BA helpful. Thirteen (65%) required no further psychological intervention following Brief BA, and both young people and parents reported high levels of acceptability and satisfaction with the approach. The pre–post effect size of Brief BA treatment was large. Conclusions: Brief BA is a promising innovation in the treatment of adolescent depression. This approach requires further evaluation to establish effectiveness and cost effectiveness compared with existing evidence-based treatments for adolescent depression. Other questions concern the effectiveness of delivery in other settings and when delivered by a range of professionals.

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A qualitative exploration of paediatric health professional views on talking about health promotion and lifestyle behaviour change with hospital patients and families in an acute setting

The Lancet ◽

10.1016/s0140-6736(13)60392-x ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 380 ◽

pp. S36 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Laura Elwell ◽

Jane Powell ◽

Deirdre Kelly ◽

Carole Cummins

Keyword(s):

Health Promotion ◽

Health Professional ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Lifestyle Behaviour ◽

Acute Setting ◽

Hospital Patients ◽

Qualitative Exploration ◽

Paediatric Health

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Family medicine physicians’ confidence and perceived effectiveness in delivering health behaviour change interventions

Family Practice ◽

10.1093/fampra/cmaa001 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 37 (4) ◽

pp. 493-498

Author(s):

Michelle D Sherman ◽

Stephanie A Hooker

Keyword(s):

Family Medicine ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Health Behaviour ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Well Being ◽

Behaviour Change Techniques ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Perceived Effectiveness ◽

Behaviour Change Interventions ◽

Health Behaviour Change

Abstract Background Approximately 40% of deaths in the USA are attributable to modifiable health behaviours. Despite clear recommendations and practice guidelines, primary care physicians (PCPs) generally do not dedicate much time to addressing health behaviours, thereby missing opportunities to improve patient well-being. Objective(s) To examine what health behaviour change techniques PCPs use with their patients, including frequency of use, confidence in and perceived effectiveness of those interventions. Methods Using a cross-sectional study design, family medicine resident and faculty physicians (n = 68) from three residency training programs completed an anonymous online survey. Questions explored their use of, confidence in and perceived effectiveness of health behaviour change interventions for six domains: physical activity, healthy eating, medication adherence, smoking cessation, sleep and alcohol reduction. Qualitative responses to open-ended questions were double coded by two independent raters. PCPs’ open-ended responses to questions regarding specific intervention techniques were coded using an evidence-based behaviour change taxonomy. Results Although PCPs indicated that they address health behaviour topics quite frequently with their patients, they reported only moderate confidence and low-to-moderate perceived effectiveness with their interventions. The most frequently cited technique was providing instruction (telling patients what to do). PCPs reported lowest frequency of addressing, lowest confidence and lowest effectiveness regarding helping patients decrease their use of alcohol. Insufficient time and perceived low patient motivation were commonly cited barriers. Conclusion These findings highlight the need for the development and evaluation of educational curricula to teach physicians brief, evidence-based approaches to helping patients make these changes in their health-related behaviours.

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Assessing the feasibility and acceptability of Changing Health for the management of prediabetes: protocol for a pilot study of a digital behavioural intervention

Pilot and Feasibility Studies ◽

10.1186/s40814-019-0519-1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sophie Cassidy ◽

Nduka Okwose ◽

Jadine Scragg ◽

David Houghton ◽

Kirsten Ashley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Pilot Study ◽

Clinical Outcome ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Behaviour Change ◽

Lifestyle Behaviour ◽

Structured Education ◽

Digital Intervention ◽

Maintain Weight Loss

Abstract Background The prevalence of prediabetes is rapidly rising in the UK, largely associated with an increase in obesity. Lifestyle programmes that provide support to make and sustain dietary and physical activity behavioural changes are necessary to initiate and maintain weight loss. However, these programmes are often intensive and time consuming. Given the magnitude of the problem, there is a need for behavioural interventions that can be delivered at scale. Digital interventions can address some of the aforementioned issues. The primary aim of the present study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a digital intervention called Changing Health that provides structured education and lifestyle behaviour change support to adults with prediabetes. Methods A single-group pilot study will be undertaken. We aim to recruit 40 participants with prediabetes defined by HbA1c or fasting plasma glucose (FPG), aged between 18 and 75 years with a BMI ≥ 25. Participants will receive the digital intervention (a mobile phone app incorporating structured education and behavioural tools to support lifestyle behaviour change) with the aim of losing and maintaining 5–6% of their baseline body weight. Each participant will receive 100 min of lifestyle coaching over the 9-month intervention period and will have continued access to the digital intervention. Clinical outcome measures will be collected during four visits to our clinical research facility: two visits at baseline, one visit at month 3, and one visit at month 9. These secondary outcome measures will include diet, physical activity, sleep, metabolic control, body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiovascular function. To measure primary outcomes, an embedded qualitative study will be conducted to obtain data on feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Discussion This pilot study will establish whether Changing Health is feasible and acceptable to adults with prediabetes. Clinical outcome measures will provide estimates of variability to inform sample size calculations, and qualitative data generated will inform any necessary refinements to the intervention. This will provide a platform for a larger evaluation to assess the effectiveness of Changing Health for changing diet and physical activity to initiate and maintain weight loss in adults with prediabetes. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry: ISRCTN69270299.

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The Efficacy and Mechanism of Online Positive Psychological Intervention (PPI) on Improving Well-Being Among Chinese University Students: A Pilot Study of the Best Possible Self (BPS) Intervention

Journal of Happiness Studies ◽

10.1007/s10902-018-0054-4 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (8) ◽

pp. 2525-2550 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Larry Auyeung ◽

Phoenix Kit Han Mo

Keyword(s):

Pilot Study ◽

University Students ◽

Psychological Intervention ◽

Well Being ◽

Chinese University ◽

Chinese University Students ◽

Positive Psychological Intervention

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A remote self-directed psychological intervention for the public: The PAUSE programme protocol

HRB Open Research ◽

10.12688/hrbopenres.13363.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. 84

Author(s):

Owen Stafford ◽

Cian Prendergast ◽

Anna Berry ◽

Niall Breslin ◽

Eddie Murphy ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Intervention ◽

Well Being ◽

Control Group ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Host Institution ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Research Knowledge ◽

Dissemination Strategy ◽

Randomised Controlled

Background: This protocol outlines procedures for the development and evaluation of a remotely accessible intervention tool known as the ‘Psychology And yoU: Self-Enhancement programme’ (i.e., PAUSE programme). The PAUSE programme aims to support and promote psychological well-being using positive psychological concepts and principles. The programme has been developed in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, where effective and evidence-based remote interventions are needed. The PAUSE programme will provide users with valuable tools and skills that they may choose to implement in their daily lives, in order to foster and support positive mental well-being. The programme includes six modules: Well-being and Happiness; Healthy Body and Mind; Being Grateful and Savouring Life; Thought and Action; Strengthening Relationships; and Overcoming Challenges. Methods: Participants will be recruited using media outlets, social media, and professional networking websites in Ireland. Those who choose to participate in this study will be asked to complete a set of measures at baseline, immediate follow-up, and six weeks post-intervention. This will allow for changes in subjective well-being scores to be analysed and interpreted over time. This study adopts a Groups x Time design, with participants being randomly assigned to either an intervention or wait-list control group. Ethical approval is currently under review at the host institution. Dissemination: The dissemination strategy will follow the Evidence-based model for the Transfer and Exchange of Research Knowledge (EMTReK) and study findings will be prepared in line with various formats (e.g. study newsletters, conferences/meetings) in order to meet the needs of different audiences. Targeted and timely dissemination activities are anticipated, and the team intends to disseminate research in an ongoing manner, throughout the lifetime of the project. Registration: This RCT protocol is pre-results and has been registered with an international database resulting in an International Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN14772616)

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The development and evaluation of a web-based well-being intervention, for inclusion within an existing health promotion programme, to support and encourage health related lifestyle behaviour change

10.23889/suthesis.59036 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Menna Brown

Keyword(s):

Behaviour Change ◽

Health Behaviour ◽

Participatory Design ◽

Well Being ◽

Randomised Control Trial ◽

Health Board ◽

Lifestyle Behaviour ◽

Web Based ◽

Lifestyle Behaviours ◽

Health Behaviour Change

Unhealthy lifestyle behaviours constitute a significant burden of disease, globally. Web-based interventions offer a means to support individuals in adopting and maintaining positive healthy lifestyle behaviours to address and reduce this issue. The health behaviour change literature offers several useful theoretical models which aim to explain or predict the likelihood of successful, individual level, lifestyle behaviour change. Indeed, research findings have shown that digital health interventions informed by these models are more likely to be effective. However, in practice adherence and engagement to web-delivered interventions is often critically low and is associated with reduced effectiveness and cost effectiveness. This thesis developed an emotional well-being intervention (ACTivate your Well-being), for inclusion within an existing lifestyle behaviour change programme ‘Champions for Health’. Thirty-eight anticipated end-users and six stakeholders contributed to a three-staged Participatory Design project which led to the development of a twelve-week intervention, based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and a new study website. Development was informed by two systematic literature reviews. Feasibility and acceptability were proven in a cluster randomised control trial (ISRCTN50074817) which recruited 142 participants. The majority (74%) enrolled on at least one lifestyle behaviour change module and health improvements were observed. Almost half (43%) of those randomised to the intervention arm enrolled onto the well-being intervention. Adherence was low (7%), no one completed the full 12-week programme. A randomised control trial (ISRCTN18190978) then evaluated impact on health behaviour change, adherence and engagement, and well-being. 182 participants were recruited. Adherence remained poor (4%) however some completed the full 12-week programme. Almost half (49%) enrolled on a lifestyle behaviour change module and health improvements were observed in three modules. COVID-19 limited evaluation. The ongoing relevance of the intervention and website is evidenced through its inclusion within the Well-being In work – In work support service, Swansea Bay University Health Board.

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