Adaptation and qualitative evaluation of the BETTER intervention for chronic disease prevention and screening by public health nurses in low income neighbourhoods: views of community residents
Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening (BETTER) is a program consisting of a one-time visit between a practitioner specially trained in prevention and a patient aged 40-65. During the visit, they review chronic disease prevention and screening activities, and the patient sets 1-3 personal goals with the practitioner’s help.
This study investigated the effectiveness of BETTER delivered in public health settings for patients living with low income. Community residents found the adapted program, called BETTER HEALTH, helpful in accessing chronic disease prevention in the community. Patients faced challenges related to mental health, loneliness, and living with poverty, and the resources added to BETTER HEALTH were important in addressing social needs. Practitioners helped patients focus on achievable short-term goals, contributing to the program’s success.
