The FLC taps key risk behaviours, including alcohol, drugs and smoking, risk-taking behaviours likely to lead to accidental death, as well as risk factors for physical conditions and early morbidity due to poor health, such as junk food consumption, exercise and aggression.
The mean lifestyle measure (FLC) pre-score for all participants was 26.0 (s.d.=7.5) of a possible 50. This indicates that the patient “needs to take more control over their health-related behaviours”. Notably, there were high rates of respondents endorsing regular tobacco use (50.4%) or abuse of drugs (47.0%), lack of regular exercise (72.6%) and lack of regular optimal sleep duration of 7-9 hours per night (77.3%).
The study led to the development of a workbook for clinic attendees which indicates the tasks for the three sessions.
The format will be used as the initial point in a new program for people with borderline personality disorder, being developed by SESIAHS and Kay Wilhelm has provided some training around its use.
The Adelaide group then developed clinical practice guidelines and care pathways for use by their Emergency Department. A further initiative at the Sydney site is the introduction of ‘coping cards’, which are featured in the workbook and have now been shared with the Adelaide group.