Health Trainer impact on cardiovascular risk score
Research type
Research Study
Full title
To what extent do health trainer’s interventions have an impact on reducing the cardiovascular risk score of individuals?
IRAS ID
181515
Contact name
Harish Gupta
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Birmingham City University
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 29 days
Research summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the biggest killer in the UK and is linked to various modifiable risk factors such as Blood Pressure, Smoking, Alcohol, Physical activity, Cholesterol and Body Mass Index etc. The NHS has introduced Health Trainers' in 2004 as part of a wider strategy to reduce health inequalities, reduce and manage CVD risk factors through facilitating healthier behaviour among various groups.
The aim of the study is to explore the impact of Health Trainers' interventions on reducing the cardiovascular risk of individuals and assess the contribution that Health Trainers' interventions make on health related behaviour change.
This is a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative observational study which will follow a cohort of clients aged between 40-74 years, who have been referred to one of the Health Trainer centres in West Midlands. Physical parameters including height, weight, body mass index, waist hip ratio, blood pressure, smoking, alcohol and blood cholesterol & sugar values will be collected and CVD risk score of the individuals will be calculated before and after the Health Trainers intervention. The results will be analysed comparing any difference on individual clients’ CVD risk score before and after the intervention. An in-depth semi-structured interviews will be carried out with the clients, Health Trainers and service managers to explore: a) client’s experiences of using Health Trainer services including their expectations, skills gained and barriers faced, b) Health Trainers’ and managers’ views and experiences on Health Trainer service delivery and barriers to success with a view to highlight any strengths and limitations of the Health Trainer programme in order to improve the service further.
The expected primary outcome of the study is to observe reduction in the CVD risk score of the clients after the Health Trainers’ interventions. Other expected outcomes are measurable improvement in modifiable risk factors and develop a framework for service improvement.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
16/NS/0042
Date of REC Opinion
22 Apr 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion