Implementation of a SNAP intervention in two divisions of general practice: a feasibility study

"SNAP" is a model for the general practice management of four common behavioural risk factors: smoking, nutrition, alcohol and physical activity. The SNAP program was developed for the Australian Government in 2002. In 2003 and 2004, a feasibility study was conducted in one urban and one r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMedical journal of Australia Vol. 183; no. S10; p. S54
Main Authors Harris, Mark F, Hobbs, Coletta, Powell Davies, Gawaine, Simpson, Sarah, Bernard, Diana, Stubbs, Anthony
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Australia 21.11.2005
Subjects
Alcoholism - prevention & control
Attitude of Health Personnel
Australia
Family Practice - education
Feasibility Studies
Health Behavior
Health Promotion - economics
Humans
Motivation
Motor Activity
Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Patient Compliance
Patient Education as Topic
Practice Management, Medical - economics
Practice Management, Medical - organization & administration
Program Development - economics
Program Evaluation
Referral and Consultation
Risk Factors
Rural Health
Self Care
Smoking Prevention
Urban Health
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Summary:"SNAP" is a model for the general practice management of four common behavioural risk factors: smoking, nutrition, alcohol and physical activity. The SNAP program was developed for the Australian Government in 2002. In 2003 and 2004, a feasibility study was conducted in one urban and one rural division of general practice (DGP) in NSW, in partnership with their local area health services. Information technology support and referral directories were developed, based on an initial needs assessment, SNAP guidelines, a clinical summary chart, patient education materials, and general practitioner and staff training. GPs reported that the SNAP approach fitted general practice consultations well. After its implementation, they were more confident in using motivational interviewing and SNAP interventions and referred more frequently. The impact and sustainability of the SNAP program were limited by a lack of effective practice teamwork, poor linkages with referral services, and the lack of a business model to support SNAP in the practices. DGPs could play an important role in providing practice visits and resources to improve communication, education and collaboration to support SNAP programs.
ISSN:0025-729X
DOI:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2005.tb07180.x