3As Counselling Model

Population survey evidence indicates that delivering all three 3As elements is more effective than providing only isolated elements. International evidence shows that all three 3As elements are rarely implemented together and that consultations often stop after Ask or Assess. The 3As is a brief counselling method originally developed for smoking cessation but adaptable to physical activity. The Assist component of the 3As is especially important because prior research links it most strongly to health behaviour change. The 3As approach can be delivered within a few minutes and is easier to integrate into routine primary care than longer counselling interventions.