Reviewing lifestyle and behaviour change services in Worcestershire
Client: Worcestershire Public Health
Date: 2022-23
Work: Research and analysis
About the service
Worcestershire Public Health currently commission a lifestyle and behaviour change service that is embedded in primary care across Worcestershire. The aim of the Lifestyle Service is to reach and change health damaging behaviours using 1-to-1 behaviour change techniques.
In 2022, Worcestershire Public Health asked us to carry out a comprehensive, independent review and evaluation of the current service, so that the findings could be used to enhance future lifestyle services and inform commissioning decisions.
Our research and analysis
We started by carrying out a thorough review of the national literature and evidence on best practice relating to lifestyle and behaviour change services. We also analysed performance and outcomes data submitted over three years of service provision in Worcestershire, and assessed the data quality.
We then conducted extensive online surveys, interviews and focus groups to capture the views of commissioners, primary care professionals, providers, and participants. We summarised all of this information to give a holistic view of the current service including participant demographics, referral pathways, service capacity, barriers to access, preferred methods of service delivery, and outcomes.
Outcome: Concise evaluation and recommendations
We synthesised the findings from our research and analysis into a concise report and summary slide set that provided:
an outline of current evidence-based best practice for lifestyle and behaviour change services
an overview of the current service delivery and effectiveness, using infographics and verbatim quotes to illustrate key points
recommendations for future commissioning.
We ran a collaborative online stakeholder engagement workshop so that we could explore the findings of the report, facilitate a discussion about effective future provision, and identify actions to take forward.
Iain Gillett, Advanced Public Health Practitioner for Worcestershire County Council said
“[Data Orchard are a] professional organisation that go above and beyond the expected remit.
Communication and project management were both outstanding and they positively engaged with key stakeholders throughout.
The evaluation and resulting recommendations will help shape Worcestershire's Lifestyle & Behaviour Service for the coming years. It will enhance residents’ health and wellbeing opportunities, and hopefully positively impact and reduce health inequalities across Worcestershire”