Barriers and facilitators to lifestyle risk communication by Australian general practice nurses
Sharon James
A D , Elizabeth Halcomb B , Jane Desborough C and Susan McInnes B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Auckland Street, Bega, NSW 2550, Australia.
B School of Nursing, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
C Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Research School of Population Health, College of Medicine, Biology and the Environment, Australian National University, 63 Eggleston Road, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: sjames@uow.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 27(1) 30-35 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY20139
Submitted: 9 June 2020 Accepted: 16 October 2020 Published: 23 November 2020
Abstract
Lifestyle risk factors are antecedents to many chronic conditions and are largely modifiable. Health professional support is often sought to reduce lifestyle risk. The ongoing relationship general practice nurses typically have with patients situates them ideally to provide this support. This paper explores the barriers and facilitators to lifestyle risk communication by registered nurses (RNs) in Australian general practice. Fifteen general practice RNs from south-eastern Australia participated in semistructured interviews. Verbatim transcriptions of the audio-recorded interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Six themes emerged in terms of perceived barriers and facilitators: educational preparation and confidence; organisational and funding arrangements; lifestyle risk prioritisation; organisational support; autonomous roles; and supporting patients’ needs. Although communication about lifestyle risk factors is within the general practice nurses’ scope of practice, concerted efforts fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the prioritisation of time, funding and educational opportunities would better support this role, at the same time optimising chronic disease management and patient outcomes.
Keywords: communication, general practice, health behaviour, lifestyle, nursing, primary care.
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