Health psychology’s role recognised in Scottish diabetes prevention guideline

The guideline has been published by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), which uses evidence to support decision making in healthcare to improve the quality of care for patients in Scotland by reducing variation in practice and outcome.

The BPS is a member of SIGN with health psychologists playing a vital role advising on and editing various guidelines. 

Heather Connolly, chair of the BPS's Scottish Branch of the Division of Health Psychology, is one of the society's representatives on the SIGN network and was on the guideline editorial team.

She emphasised the significance of health psychologists' input into the diabetes guideline, saying: 

"This recognition highlights the impact we can have in shaping public health policy. It's a significant achievement for health psychology and demonstrates our crucial role in understanding and supporting chronic conditions. 

"Psychologists are experts in human behaviour and health psychologists in particular play a pivotal role in meaningful behaviour change. Our expertise is crucial in shaping prevention programmes. By applying health psychology principles, we can help create a healthier society."

Health psychologists Professor Vivien Swanson, Dr Emily Moffat and Dr Hannah Dale – all BPS members – provided expert advice on the development of the guideline, which provides recommendations on the prevention, early detection and early non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

The guideline highlights MAP (Motivation, Action, Prompts) behaviour change training, a psychologically informed programme developed and delivered by health psychologists within NHS Education for Scotland as a key approach in supporting evidence-based conversations.

The guideline states that programmes should be delivered by practitioners with relevant knowledge and skills and specifically mentions health psychologists in the 'Delivering effective diabetes prevention programme' section.

'Where relevant expertise is lacking, involve health professionals and specialists (such as dietitians and health psychologists) in the design and delivery of services', it says. 

"The inclusion of health psychologists in the development of this guideline is a significant step in raising the profile of psychology within wider healthcare settings," Heather Connolly said.

"It not only highlights the vital role we play in shaping effective, evidence-based interventions but also enhances understanding of the diverse ways psychology contributes to improving public health.

"This recognition is a powerful reminder of the essential contribution health psychology makes when tackling chronic conditions and also underscores the critical role psychology plays in helping to shape policy and guidelines, ensuring that health interventions are not only effective but also grounded in a deep understanding of human behaviour." 

Prevention and remission of type 2 diabetes