Physical Health Goal Setting

Nearly half of volunteers feared patients would revert to previous habits post-programme, while almost all patients expressed confidence in having internalised new habits. Volunteers and patients diverged in their assessment of goal progress: most patients were confident in their own progress while most volunteers were uncertain whether patients had met their goals. A systematic review found that specifying the type of physical activity, rather than setting general health goals, improves long-term effectiveness. Breaking long-term goals into incremental smaller actions was valued by both volunteers and patients as a key motivational mechanism. The most common patient goals were weight loss, increased exercise, healthier diet, and building self-confidence.