Exploring Prevalence and Perceptions of the Wessex model of MECC [COVID-19]
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring physiotherapists’ perceptions and delivery of the Wessex ‘Making Every Contact Count’ behaviour change initiative to patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions
IRAS ID
280975
Contact name
Amelia Parchment
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 16 days
Research summary
‘Making Every Contact Count’ (MECC) is a behaviour change initiative that was developed by Public Health England and has been implemented in many NHS trusts, local authorities, mental health organisations and sports partnerships across the UK. This approach aims to utilise the interactions that those working with the public have with other people in order to support them in improving mental and physical health and wellbeing via very brief and brief interventions. There has been some evidence to suggest that MECC is well received and builds self-efficacy in initiating and discussing health related issues for some healthcare professionals, such as nurses and midwives. The literature for other healthcare professionals is, however, mixed and very limited. Physiotherapists, for example, have multiple opportunities per day to MECC and most often engage with service users presenting with musculoskeletal conditions, who are a growing public health concern. There is not yet any literature that has evaluated MECC using implementation outcomes such as perceived acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, sustainability, adoption and reach for this particular healthcare profession and their patients, nor have there been any studies that have compared these outcomes across professions. Such research could help to identify how well MECC is being implemented within physiotherapy services, compare and contrast this to other professions and explore in more detail what helps and hinders successful implementation for physiotherapists working with MSK service-users specifically. This could inform future implementation of MECC across physiotherapy services across the UK that have not yet put evidence into practice. \nAll NHS healthcare professionals that have been trained in all levels of the Wessex model of MECC will be invited to take part in this research through the use of advertisements within NHS trusts in the Wessex and South-West regions, on intranet sites and through word of mouth. \nThey will be directed to completed an online survey, consisting of 25 questions, including those relating to demographics and others that explore perceptions of MECC. Participants will be presented with an online information sheet and consent form before being able to proceed with the questionnaire. The online survey will take approximately 45 minutes to complete.\n Upon completion, participants will be asked if they consent to receive further contact from the researcher for follow-up interview. Physiotherapists who support MSK service-users will be identified and contacted with information regarding the interview. Consent will be taken in paper format (in person) or online (via video call/telephone) and interviews will proceed at a time and location convenient for the participant. They will take approximately 45 minutes and follow a semi-structured topic guide, focusing on experiences, barriers and facilitators of delivering MECC to MSK service-users. Please note, due to current Covid-19 circumstances, it is expected that all interviews will take place via telephone/video call until further notice.\n
REC name
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REC reference
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