Future Projects & Current Developments
Counterweight is diversifying and developing programmes in areas outside the adult primary care setting as part of Counterweights continuous improvement methodology.
Pharmacy Project
NHS Fife is undertaking the first pilot of Counterweight delivery via pharmacies. Pharmacy support staff have undertaken specialised weight management training, and will receive on site mentoring from a Counterweight Specialist and NHS Counterweight Clinician.
To date, fourteen pharmacies across Fife have been trained to deliver Counterweight for obesity management. Counterweight is accessible to patients who are taking part in Keep Well; an anticipatory care project that has been funded by the Scottish Government. It involves people aged 45-64 years in deprived areas of Scotland being offered health checks. If the need to attend a weight management programme is identified, patients are referred to the appropriate Counterweight service for their needs which includes pharmacies.
The results from the weight loss programme pilot will ascertain the effectiveness of Counterweight delivered via pharmacies. If results are positive it is anticipated that pharmacies across the UK could deliver Counterweight as their preferred weight managment service.
For further details please contact Naomi Brosnahan 07810 570650, naomi.brosnahan@counterweight.org
Family Project
Counterweight is currently in the process of developing a family based intervention aimed at reducing the incidence of obesity in the whole family.
The intervention will be piloted as part of a randomised controlled trial within participating practices and will consist of sessions delivered to the entire family by research or practice nurses. Family sessions will cover a variety of topics pertinent to weight management and improving health delivered in an innovative, interactive manner using materials developed by Counterweight Specialists in collaboration with a designer.
Families will receive a variety of additional resources such as stickers, pedometers, badges, cups and magnets to compliment the programme. Following the pilot phase of the family based intervention; the outcomes of the research will be published adding to Counterweight's strong evidence base. PCTs, CHPs, health boards and interested practices will be eligible to express an interest to take part in the research.
For further details please contact Anne Clarke, Counterweight Specialist, 07904509534, anne.clarke@counterweight.org