Research project: Positive Online Weight Reduction (POWeR)

Obesity is a major and rapidly rising public health threat. Large patient numbers, limited staff training and time pressures mean that delivering face-to-face behavioural interventions in practice can be resource intensive. This study explores the use of the Internet as a way of providing a cost-effective and efficient alternative. This study aims:

• to develop the online behavioural packages for patient self-management and nurse training and support using the LifeGuide software
• to obtain feedback from patients and nurses about their perceptions of the intervention materials and the website in order to modify and refine the website intervention
• to identify the requirements for nurse reinforcement/support sessions in order to maximise the likley cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the web intervention in preparation for a definitive trial.

Duration: June 2010 – February 2013
Funded by NIHR
PI: Prof Paul Little
CI: Prof Lucy Yardley