The NHS Health Check programme: insights from a qualitative study of patients

Abstract

To provide an insight into the process of patients receiving Health Checks and to determine the extent to which patients were supported to reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular disease through behaviour change. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 45 patients about their initial experiences of undertaking a Health Check. They were followed up 1 year later to assess whether the behavioural changes reported after the Health Check had been maintained. Patients expressed a need for individualized support in order to stay motivated and to adopt long-term diet and lifestyle changes. Those involved in the delivery of the programme need to adopt a consistent approach in terms of explaining the purpose of the Health Check, communicating risk and consider the challenges and the barriers that influence behaviour change.