Ministers last week backed the recommendations of an advisory body that all clinicians, including 'opticians' should 'make every contact count'.
A report from the NHS Future Forum last November highlighted that every contact made with a doctor, pharmacist, dentist, optician or any clinician was an opportunity for the clinician to raise matters about smoking, alcohol, diet and exercise. This would have a significant impact on prevention of major illness, claimed the report.
The new support from ministers for the policy suggests the coalition government agrees. Health secretary Andrew Lansley said: 'The NHS Future Forum has again provided invaluable feedback and advice on what the NHS needs to do to improve results and put the NHS truly on the side of patients.'
Not all professionals concur, however. The Royal College of General Practitioners has raised fears that the intervention may discourage patients from attending appointments in the belief that they are to be lectured about health issues.
Dr Clare Gerada, of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'We already look for opportunities to offer advice, but the idea that every consultation will have to address these four concerns may deter patients from coming in the first place. The discussion must be based on the patient's agenda, and we should prise open these other issues only if it feels appropriate.'
Bill Harvey, Optician clinical editor, added: 'Most optometrists are comfortable asking about smoking and diet now as they are inextricably linked with eye disease. There is, however, a big difference between telling people about that link for them to make an informed lifestyle choice, and telling them not to smoke or eat a certain way. I prefer the former.'
? What is your opinion? Email your views to the clinical editor (william.harvey@rbi.co.uk).