Patients’ experience of a nurse‐led lifestyle clinic at a Swedish health centre

Abstract

Background In Sweden, 56% of the population aged 16–84 have an unhealthy lifestyle. The primary health care (PHC) has been instructed to offer citizens health promotion and disease‐preventive actions. Very few studies have been conducted about how individuals experience interventions from the PHC intended to help them to change lifestyle. Aim The purpose of the study was to explore patients’ experiences of visiting a nurse‐led lifestyle clinic. Methods Patients (n = 137), who participated in a screening test at a lifestyle clinic, were invited to focus group interviews. Of these, 14 patients agreed to participate. The data were analysed using content analysis. Results The patients felt that the visit to the lifestyle clinic gave insight into their habits and diminished their fear of not being healthy. Primary health care was seen as a safe provider in this matter. Disappointment was occasioned by the unfulfilled expectations of blood tests, lack of follow‐up visit and inconsistencies of approach during the visit to the lifestyle clinic. Personal chemistry was perceived to be crucial for how the encounter with the public health nurse evolved. Conclusion Lifestyle clinics can give patients opportunity to change lifestyle and also to confirm the good habits. It may also be important to have follow‐up visits to give the patients’ support when changing lifestyle. Nurses counselling patients about lifestyle changes need to have recurrent training in Motivational Interviewing.

Experiences from individuals with increased cardiovascular risk participating in a one-year lifestyle program

“…Competent nurses, with comprehensive knowledge of guidelines for healthy lifestyle and research, were pointed out as an important factor, which is supported by other studies. 9,29…”

Pilot study on increased adherence to physical activity on prescription (PAP) through mindfulness: study protocol

“…Thus, it is necessary to try other tools to increase people’s physical activity levels. Patients trust their health care centre to take care of primary prevention, which for most patients includes both screening for diseases and help with behavioural problems such as increased physical activity and smoking cessation [ 28 , 29 ]. As satisfaction plays a crucial role in behavioural changes, it may make a difference to try to make it easier for patients to feel satisfaction by taking a mindfulness course.…”

Hvilke oppgaver kan sykepleiere ha i primærhelseteam?

“…Å vise empati, respekt, vaere lyttende og medfølende, er kvaliteter som gjør at pasienter føler mindre skam for å dele privat informasjon, og slike holdninger tar bort frykten for å bli dømt (2). En studie fra en sykepleieledet livsstilsklinikk i Sverige, viste at å føle seg møtt som et likeverdig menneske var avgjørende for hvordan pasientene klarte å ta tak i utfordringene sine (9). Helsepersonellets vaeremåte og forståelse har vist seg ofte som avgjørende for hvorvidt pasientene er motiverte til livsstilsendring.…”

“…En svensk studie som omhandler oppfølging av pasienter på en kommunal livsstilsklinikk, viser at pasienter med livsstilsutfordringer føler seg godt ivaretatt av sykepleiere på grunn av den helhetlige kunnskapen de besitter. I tillegg til å bli møtt som likeverdige mennesker, kunne pasientene få råd og veiledning på alt fra medikamenter, fysisk aktivitet, kosthold og følelsesmessige utfordringer (9). «Pasienter som skal endre livsstil har gjerne komplekse problemstillinger.»…”