Workstream 3 – Pilot trial

We are currently recruiting General Practices in the Cambridgeshire area to be involved in workstream 3 of the VBI study.

In this study we will pilot four “very brief” interventions that are designed to increase patients’ physical activity and be delivered by a nurse (or healthcare assistant) during an NHS Health Check consultation.These interventions will be piloted in three practices in order to assess their feasibility; acceptability and fidelity (i.e., how straightforward were the interventions to deliver during the Health Check? Do patients’ think the intervention will be effective?). The results from this study will inform necessary modifications that need to be made to the interventions before they are carried forward to a subsequent phase of the research programme to assess how effective they are in increasing patients’ physical activity levels.

It is anticipated that this research will entail substantial benefits for both patients and GP practices. By providing patients with novel and innovative behaviour change techniques to facilitate their physical activity levels and motivating them to become more active, they could make substantial improvements to their health. Furthermore, the participation and training of practice nurses (or health care assistants) in health-behaviour change strategies will be practical and useful for future consultations with patients, as well as encouraging patient-centred communication. Overall, it is anticipated that practice staff involved in the research will acquire new knowledge, skills and resources that will be beneficial to the overall patient care provided at the practice.

If you would like to take part, or for more information about this study, please contact Dr. Katie Morton (Study Coordinator) on 01223 330524 or email vbi_study@medschl.cam.ac.uk