Implementation of a Health Promotion Practice Using Individually Targeted Lifestyle Interventions in Primary Health...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Implementation Science

Background:

• Growing evidence links noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) to unhealthy lifestyles.
• Limited application of this knowledge in primary health care (PHC) settings.
• Need for effective strategies to promote healthy habits in PHC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the process and outcomes of a multifaceted implementation strategy for a healthy lifestyle-promoting practice in PHC.
• To assess the effectiveness of national guidelines targeting unhealthy lifestyle habits with NCD risk.
• To understand the role of facilitators in implementing health promotion practices.

Main Methods:

• Pre-post implementation study with a control group in central Sweden PHC.
• Utilized Medical Research Council guidelines for process evaluation of complex interventions.
• Mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) including questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and record reviews.
• Employed the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS) framework and Astrakan change leadership model.
• Involved 12 months of multifaceted implementation strategy in intervention PHC centers and a control group.

Main Results:

• Recruitment of PHC centers occurred between March 2021 and Spring 2022.
• Final data collection is anticipated in Summer 2023, following a 12-month implementation and 4-6 month follow-up period.
• Study is ongoing, with results pending.

Conclusions:

• The study will elucidate the implementation process and outcomes of a healthy lifestyle strategy in real-world PHC.
• Expected to yield new knowledge on the contribution of facilitators to implementation success.
• Findings aim to inform policymakers, managers, and PHC staff on integrating health promotion and disease prevention.