Ministers back call to quiz patients on lifestyles
www.gdaguru.com today reports that NHS staff in England must adapt their roles to ensure they promote good health under plans being published. 11-01-2012
An independent panel of government advisers says health professionals should take every opportunity to discuss diet, exercise, smoking and drinking habits.
Ministers have backed the proposal from the NHS Future Forum to "make every contact count".
But the Royal College of GPs says the move could drive some patients away.
Dr Clare Gerada says raising lifestyle risks routinely with patients, even if they are unrelated to their illness, could be counter-productive.
"We already look for opportunities to offer advice, but the idea that every consultation will have to address these four concerns may deter patients from coming in the first place. The discussion must be based on the patient's agenda, and we should prise open these other issues only if it feels appropriate."
