Program upskilling regional healthcare workers

FEDERATION University researchers are helping to upskill regional and rural healthcare workers.

Supported by funding from the Department of Education and Training, the Healthy Regions Intervention, or THRIVE, program is training doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals in motivational interviewing.

This method can be used to help people at risk of or already diagnosed with a chronic illness to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

“Behaviour change is a key tool in reducing global rates and burden of chronic diseases and many healthcare workers lack advanced training,” said Institute of Health and Wellbeing executive dean and Pro Vice-Chancellor research, Professor Remco Polman.

“Well-implemented behaviour change programs delivered by skilled practitioners, such as THRIVE provides, offer substantial health benefits to the community.

“Motivational Interviewing has proven to be very effective and cost-efficient in significantly improving patient outcomes.”

In the last 18 months the THRIVE program has trained 127 people and the hope is to double this figure in the next 18 months.

Participants in the program access advanced behaviour change expertise to assist people with chronic diseases including cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, metabolic disorders, respiratory disorders, mental health disorders, and cancers.

The aim is to change risky behaviours including poor diet, lack of exercise, illicit drug use, and smoking.

Agencies Silverchain, Ballarat Community Health, East Grampians Health Service, Goulburn Valley Community Health, Rural City of Ararat, Western Alliance: Academic Health Science Centre have taken part in the program as well as independent practitioners.