Nurse consultation support to primary care practices to increase delivery of health behavior services

Tobacco use, lack of physical activity, poor diet, and alcohol use are the key preventable causes of death in the United States. This study tested the use of nurses as consultants to primary care practices to assist practice clinicians and staff in identifying and carrying out plans to help their adult patients improve these health behaviors. A pre–post chart audit was conducted, and 17 of 20 practices (85%, p = <.01) increased documentation of health behavior delivery a mean absolute increase of 5.5% after the intervention. Nurse consultation may be an effective strategy to increase health behavior delivery to patients in primary care.