Testing the effectiveness of point-of-care touchscreen computer assessment and printed feedback for improving self-management of health risks among general practice patients

ABSTRACT: Interventions: Eligible general practice patients will complete a brief (approximately 5 to 10 minutes) touchscreen computer survey on a tablet device while in the waiting room prior to their appointment. The survey will assess the patient’s potential health risks related to under-screening for bowel cancer, cervical (women only) and breast cancer (women only), smoking, risky alcohol consumption and depression. For intervention participants, preferences for help with identified health risks will be elicited as part of the survey. Upon completion of the survey, intervention participants will receive printed feedback on health risks identified from their survey along with recommended self-management actions as endorsed by a range of Australian Government-supported organisations aimed at promoting health in these areas. Participants who report being under-screened for cancer (bowel, breast, cervical) will be encouraged to discuss screening options with their doctor. Participants identified as smokers will be presented with self-management options such as referral to Quitline (a telephone-based smoking cessation intervention), talking to their doctor, and nicotine replacement therapy etc. Participants identified as drinking above recommended levels will be presented with options for reducing alcohol intake such as choosing alcoholic drinks with lower alcohol content, and discussing approaches with their doctor etc. Participants who report depressed mood will be presented with options such as attending counselling, contacting Beyondblue (a telephone-based emotional support service), and discussing with their GP etc. The printed feedback will be given to patients in an envelope by a research assistant immediately after completion of the baseline survey in the primary care clinic. This f Primary outcome(s): The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients within each group who report undertaking one or more self-management actions in relation to health risk factors identified at baseline. Self management actions will be elicited by a survey specifically designed for this study.[1-month follow-up.] Study Design: Purpose: Prevention; Allocation: Randomised controlled trial; Masking: Open (masking not used);Assignment: Parallel;Type of endpoint: Efficacy

DISEASE(S): Public Health-health Promotion/education,Cancer-bowel-anal,Cervical Cancer,Colorectal Cancer,Depression,Breast Cancer,Cancer-breast

PROVIDER: 2464485 | ecrin-mdr-crc |

REPOSITORIES: ECRIN MDR