Preventive healthcare practice by allied health professionals: Results from a cross-sectional survey in rural and regional Victoria

IF 2.6 3区医学 Q2 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health Pub Date : 2024-09-24 DOI:10.1016/j.anzjph.2024.100192

Stephen Barrett , Stephen Begg , Sally Harris , Paul O’Halloran , Breanne Kunstler , Bruce Bolam , Kevin Masman , Michael Kingsley

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Abstract

Objectives

To describe the frequency of preventive healthcare practice (assess, advice, refer for support) provided by allied health professionals (AHPs) practicing in regional and rural healthcare settings to address smoking, diet and physical inactivity. To identify factors that influence the delivery of preventive healthcare practice.

Methods

AHPs working in public healthcare services in the Loddon Mallee region of Victoria were surveyed. Clinicians reported on the proportion of clients where they had provided preventive care. Likert scale questions measured factors influencing preventive healthcare practice.

Results

In total, 115 clinicians completed the survey. AHPs reported that they assess for smoking and physical activity behaviours but not diet. Preventive health practice that included providing advice or referrals for follow-on support was rarely undertaken. Availability of screening tools and automated referral letters increased the likelihood of preventive healthcare practice.

Conclusions

Greater attention to addressing modifiable lifestyle behaviours by AHPs might be warranted to match the rates of risk factors in rural and regional Victoria. Integrating support systems, for example, embedding screening questions within clinical assessments can assist preventive healthcare practice.

Implication for public health

Many AHPs are not promoting healthy behaviours to prevent poor health. We present some strategies that could potentially improve this.

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专职医疗人员的预防保健实践：维多利亚州农村和地区横断面调查的结果

目标描述在地区和农村医疗机构工作的专职医疗人员（AHPs）针对吸烟、饮食和缺乏运动等问题提供预防性医疗服务（评估、建议、转诊支持）的频率。方法：对在维多利亚州洛登马利地区公共医疗保健服务机构工作的AHP进行了调查。临床医生报告了他们提供预防性保健的客户比例。李克特量表问题测量了影响预防保健实践的因素。AHPs 报告称，他们对吸烟和体育锻炼行为进行了评估，但未对饮食进行评估。包括提供建议或转介后续支持在内的预防保健实践很少开展。有了筛查工具和自动转诊信，就更有可能开展预防性保健实践。结论为了与维多利亚州农村和地区的风险因素发生率相匹配，可能需要全科医生更多地关注可改变的生活方式行为。整合支持系统，例如在临床评估中嵌入筛查问题，可以帮助开展预防性保健实践。我们提出了一些有可能改善这一状况的策略。

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来源期刊

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 医学-公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生

CiteScore

4.20

自引率

5.70%

发文量

121

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health (ANZJPH) is concerned with public health issues. The research reported includes formal epidemiological inquiries into the correlates and causes of diseases and health-related behaviour, analyses of public policy affecting health and disease, and detailed studies of the cultures and social structures within which health and illness exist. The Journal is multidisciplinary and aims to publish methodologically sound research from any of the academic disciplines that constitute public health.