A new set of ‘Better Conversation’ resources for clinicians and health and care leaders is now available. These include a short video, infographics and a resource guide which contains case studies, evidence and tips on how to introduce a health coaching approach to improve the quality of conversation and help patients change behaviour.
The aim is to enable people to thrive by feeling more motivated, confident and in control of managing their own health and care. View and download resources at www.betterconversation.co.uk and join the online conversation at @betterconvo.
The materials were compiled by a collaboration of health organisations, led by NHS Innovation Fellow Dr Penny Newman.
Penny said: “The conversation between any clinician and patient is paramount. I am passionate about us having conversations that enable people to thrive by feeling more motivated, confident and in control of managing their own health and care.
“Only by understanding what’s really going on and putting patients more in the driving seat can we enable them to better manage their own health and adopt more healthy behaviours. Since 2010 I have been gathering the evidence and developing resources to support colleagues to work more in partnership with patients.
“People often know they need to improve their health they just don’t know how. Behaviour change science shows that just telling people what to do often doesn’t work – as clinicians we have to become more empowering. If we ask patients what matters to them, and work together to create plans that motivate them and fits in with their life, we will improve their health and wellbeing.”
A pilot programme of health coaching developed in the East of England has now been rolled out to over 3000 clinicians across the country. The work is backed by the NHS Innovation Accelerator initiative along with the Academic Health Science Network, Health Education England and the Coalition for Collaborative Care.
The purpose is to give clinicians the tools to help patients to feel more motivated, confident and in control of managing their health and care through better conversations. These health coaching skills can also be used by lay people.
Posted on October 10, 2016
