A brief behavioral feedback intervention in hospital outpatients with a high cardiovascular risk

Examining the prevalence of risk behavior and motivation to change among hospital outpatients with a high cardiovascular risk, and the implementation and results of a brief behavioral feedback intervention by internists.

One hundred and sixty-one patients completed a lifestyle questionnaire and were given personalized feedback on the results by their internists. The delivery of the feedback was monitored. In an ad hoc non randomized comparison after four months, 68 patients who received an intervention were compared with 40 who did not receive it.

Ninety-six percent of the patients demonstrated at least one risk behavior and 73% were not contemplating change. The intervention was correctly given to 62%. The patients who received the intervention reported more lifestyle changes and altered their motivation to change more often.

Given the prevalence of risk behavior lifestyle interventions are worthwhile. Internists delivered the intervention to most patients. Small effects of the intervention were found, but the non-experimental nature of the study should be taken into account.

Implementation of a behavioral feedback intervention seems to be feasible and can lead to worthwhile lifestyle changes for patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Training and education can improve the intervention. Also a nurse practitioner can perform part of it.