Using the Bright Futures for Women's Health and Wellness' (BFWHW) physical activity and healthy eating tools to initiate clinical conversations: An evaluation in six clinical settings

Background. The HHS Health Resources and Services Administration's BFWHW Initiative develops materials for women and adolescent girls, primary care providers, and communities to support preventive health topics. BFWHW physical activity and healthy eating consumer tools facilitate a patient-provider discussion. Patients first answer questions about their current physical activity and nutrition behaviors, and create questions for their providers. Providers review patients' questions and answers, discuss BMI, make recommendations, and facilitate patient goal setting.

An evaluation of the implementation and intermediate outcomes associated with use of BFWHW physical activity and healthy eating materials is underway. The evaluation is occurring across the U.S. in a school based health clinic, faith based organization health program, workplace health unit, American Indian diabetes program, and rural and urban health centers.

Method. Post-intervention surveys assess patient attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions toward physical activity and nutrition behavior change and health locus of control. For providers, and site administrators, questions focus on using the tools in clinical practice. Data collection will end May 2008.

Results. Preliminary data suggest participating providers use the tools and are able to integrate them in the clinic setting. Initial assessment findings suggest some patients intend to form short-term intentions to make behavior changes to improve their health. Feedback from patient respondents suggests the tools are well liked.

Conclusion. BFWHW physical activity and healthy eating tools may support women and their providers in clinical conversations around physical activity and healthy eating.