An independent panel of government advisers says health professionals should take every opportunity to discuss diet, exercise, smoking and drinking habits. Ministers have backed the proposal from the NHS Future Forum to “make every contact count”.
The paper on public health states that everyone has a responsibility for their own health, but it also contends that the NHS is responsible for helping people to improve their health and well-being. It goes on to argue that healthcare professionals should use every contact to do this, whatever their area of expertise or the initial purpose of the discussion.
Areas to think about:
- Will patients perceive this as helpful or nannying?
- How could conversation be structured to help professionals avoid coming across as any of judgemental, nannying, or tickbox-filling?
- Do you think this will improve public health? Are there any risks?
Discussion
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