How do I carry out a brief intervention?

How do I carry out a brief intervention?

Advise

• Discuss individual’s score. For example, how do they feel about the outcome?
• Advise the individual about the risks associated with their current behaviour
• Offer advice regarding the benefits of making a change
• Provide health information
• Assess the individual’s confidence with regards to making changes
• Ask what would need to be different for them to consider making a change

Assist

• Support the individual to develop an action plan
• Assist the individual to set ‘SMART’ goals i.e. goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed
• Signpost to appropriate self-help materials/services
• Refer to specialist services

Assess

• Assess their readiness to change (see the Stages of Change model). This will determine how you proceed
• If appropriate, assess the individual’s current lifestyle behaviour (quiz, screening or question)

Ask

• Raise the issue in a neutral, non-judgemental way. For example, ‘We are raising awareness of healthy eating, would you just like some information?’