Name of the Procedure:

Health Behavior Intervention, Group (2 or More Patients), Face-to-Face; Initial 30 Minutes

Summary

This procedure involves a group session where two or more patients participate in a face-to-face meeting with a healthcare provider to discuss and modify health behaviors. The initial session lasts for 30 minutes.

Purpose

The procedure aims to help patients improve specific health behaviors that may affect their overall wellness. It seeks to provide education, support, and strategies for behavior modification, leading to improved health outcomes.

Indications

• Obesity or weight management issues
• Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
• Smoking cessation
• Stress management and mental health support

This procedure is appropriate for patients who need guidance and support in changing unhealthy behaviors and are open to participating in a group setting.

Preparation

• No specific fasting or medication adjustments are generally required.
• Patients may need to complete pre-session questionnaires or assessments to tailor the intervention to their specific needs.

Procedure Description

1. Introduction and Orientation: The healthcare provider introduces the session, explains its goals, and discusses confidentiality and group rules.
2. Assessment: Brief assessment of each patient's current health behaviors and goals.
3. Education and Skills Training: Provider offers educational information relevant to the group's needs, and teaches skills and strategies for behavior change.
4. Group Discussion and Support: Patients share experiences and challenges, offering support and advice to one another.
5. Action Planning: Each patient develops a personalized plan for behavior change with specific, actionable steps.
6. Conclusion: Review of key points and setting goals for follow-up sessions.

No anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The initial face-to-face session typically lasts 30 minutes.

Setting

This procedure can be performed in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, community health centers, or private practice offices.

Personnel

• A licensed healthcare provider, such as a physician, psychologist, or counselor, typically leads the session.
• Support staff may assist in organizing and facilitating the session.

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risks are associated with this type of intervention.
• Potential discomfort or anxiety related to sharing personal information in a group setting.

Benefits

• Improved health behaviors leading to better health outcomes.
• Enhanced motivation and support from group interactions.
• Patients may start to see benefits as they implement changes, often within a few weeks to months.

Recovery

• No physical recovery is needed.
• Patients are encouraged to start applying the techniques and strategies discussed during the session immediately.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor progress and provide additional support.

Alternatives

• Individual health behavior counseling sessions.
• Online or telehealth behavior intervention programs.
• Self-help materials and resources.

Each alternative has its pros and cons; for example, individual counseling offers more personalized attention, while group settings provide peer support.

Patient Experience

• Patients should expect to engage actively in discussions and activities.
• Initial sessions may involve some discomfort as patients share personal health information.
• Pain management is not applicable, but efforts are made to keep patients comfortable and respected throughout the session.

Patients typically find the group setting supportive and motivating, helping them stay committed to their health behavior goals.