Planting the Seed of Lifestyle Change: A grounded theory

Australian general practice nurses (GPN’s) play a vital role in chronic disease prevention. By supporting lifestyle risk reduction, GPN’s can contribute to better health for all Australians but this potential is still to be fully realised.

Project summary

Methods

Research explaining how rural GPN’s support adult risk reduction was required to identify policy and training needs so that GPN’s role in primary prevention may be optimised.

Grounded theory methods were used to contruct a new theory from interview data obtained via convenience sampling of twelve registered nurses from ten general practices in Murrumbigee, NSW.

Constant comparative analysis and theoretical sensitivity, stimulated by reflective practice, produced a theory explaining the process used to support lifestyle change.

Project details

Project period
January 2018 – October 2025

Project funding
$57,000 Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship

Field of Research
420503 Community and primary care; 420605 Preventative health care

Results

Planting the Seed of Lifestyle Change centred on Cultivating caring connections. Patients’ problems and risks plus desire for change combined with GPN’s passion for prevention were then catalysts for Harnessing teachable moments.

Ensuing cycles of Planting the seed involved

breaking ground
surveying the situation
tilling the soil
feeding and weeding
mapping borders and steps
staking and tending which were Making a difference.

Patients improving health and quality of life and increasing confidence and motivation boosted GPN’s professional satisfaction.

Discussion

Relational connection and regular access to GPN’s, strategies and systems that embed preventive care in routine practice, and the ability to recognise and respond to readiness for change are key facilitators of lifestyle change.

Lack of funding, time, resources, organisational support, plus communication and coaching skills limit relationship-centred care and the ability to harness teachable moments, plant the seed and make a difference.

Constraints must be addressed so that GPN’s role in Planting the Seed of Lifestyle Change can be optimised

Project objectives

This research aims to produce a theory explaining the process of supporting lifestyle risk reduction.

Our research team

Chief investigator and research lead

Research team

Associate investigators

Publications

Conclusion

Findings highlight the need for further education, resources, and supports to equip GPNs to provide relationship-centred care, assess and promote change readiness, and deliver person-centered interventions central to Planting the Seed of Lifestyle Change.