• Sandy Lu and Mark F Harris.
• University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. SL.24@live.com.au
• Aust Fam Physician. 2013 May 1; 42 (5): 328-31.

BackgroundThere are gaps between current clinical guideline recommendations and current practice for the prevention of diabetes and heart disease. This study aims to explore patients' views on risk, assessment and their general practitioner's role, and how these factors may impact their uptake of preventive care.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured telephone interviews with 18 patients from three general practices in New South Wales.ResultsPatients associated the GPs' role with their experience of their GP's actions. Most patients saw their GP's primary role as assessing single physiological risk factors. Test results influenced patients' perception of their risk, motivating them to make changes and engage in prevention. However, none recalled having multi-factorial assessments and those with normal results were infrequently offered lifestyle advice.DiscussionPatient engagement in prevention could be promoted by multi-factorial risk assessments and communication of risk, and appropriate advice and follow up delivered by their GP or practice nurse.

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