The effect of healthy lifestyle changes on stroke risk in adults with cardiovascular disease

Participants: In this feasibility study we aim to recruit 50 participants via existing networks in GP practices, such as those newly dispensed a medication for cardiovascular disease or those at >15% risk according to the www.cvdcheck.org.au calculator. We intend to liaise closely with the GPs and onsite Pharmacist to access this information. Life's Simple 7 Intervention: there will be five key aspects to the 6 month service: 1. Education Package and session specific to cardiovascular disease: This will involve a once off, face-to-face, 2 hour, small group education session, utilising a Chronic Condition Self-Management approach. This will be conducted by a physiotherapist trained in chronic condition self-management. As part of this session, participants will also be provided with a comprehensive educational package based on the American Heart Foundation's program - Life's Simple 7. Given the groups will have about 6-8 participants per group, it is envisaged 6-9 groups will be conducted. 2. Motivational interview with identification of 'nudging' strategies to promote and support identified behaviour change: After the group session a time will be booked to visit each participant and undertake a face-to-face 'assessment', utilising a motivational interview approach. This assessment will be undertaken by the same physiotherapist who conducted the group session and is estimated to take about 1.5 hours. This session will gather data on baseline measures, areas for change, set goals and develop a plan to achieve the participants desired goals. Part of this plan will involve 'nudging' strategies to help each participant achieve their desired goals through long term behaviour change. 3. Individual sessions ( physiotherapist and GP consultations): Through the 6 month intervention, individual sessions will be scheduled for each participant. These sessions will involve a combination of phone and in person sessions, based on the aim of the session and participant preferences. The aim will be to track goals, assist in further motivation/accountability and identify other input that may be required along the way (e.g. dietician, GP review, pharmacist). The number of individual sessions will be based on each person's unique needs. 4. Longer term monitoring with ongoing new 'nudges', liaison and Health Diary: A health dairy will be provided to each participant at commencement of this study. This diary contains vital health information (cardiovascular risk factors) and self-monitoring (nutrition, activity levels, weight, BP, cholesterol, smoking). Participants complete the diary daily and provide feedback about their progress and goals. They will be provided with emails, messages, phone-calls to further support them in this, as well as ongoing 'nudges' to help them achieve their goals. These will be provided dependent on each participants unique needs and what they are trying to achieve at that stage. 5. Health Buddy: At the beginning of the project, each participant will select a health buddy. This will be a person they know (e.g. friend, neighbour) that can support them and encourage them along their journey to be a healthy version of themselves. The health buddy will attend the initial group session, as well as all the face-to-face sessions throughout the 6 months.