Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Change in Clinical Populations

Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Change in Clinical Populations is organized by Royal College Of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and will be held from Feb 05 - May 05, 2026.

Description:
Enhance your knowledge with the Micro-credential in Physical Activity and Health Behaviour Change in Clinical Populations from RCSI School of Physiotherapy and the Department of Health Psychology.

You will improve your ability to consider patients’ individual needs, capabilities, preferences, and social contexts regarding physical activity engagement. Weave theory with case studies, skill development and clinical simulation to ready healthcare professionals to support individuals with chronic conditions as they make sustained behaviour change and increase physical activity.

Designed to complement the HSE 'Making every contact count' (MECC) initiative, it will enhance your ability to deliver health behavior change interventions to augment MECC training.

Throughout the course, expert clinical educators, researchers and practitioners will help you build the skills needed to support physical activity in those with long-term health conditions. The module uniquely uses RCSI’s expertise in simulation to nurture practical and communication skills, enabling you to apply knowledge and health behavior change tools in practice.

Learning outcomes:
On successful completion of the module the student will be able to:

• Critically apply public health approaches to physical activity including national and global physical activity guidelines.
• Critically apply activity assessment tools to measure physical activity in clinical populations.
• Critically discuss the determinants of health and participation and the role of the healthcare or exercise professional in health promotion and behaviour change.
• Critically discuss the physiological and psychological effects and health benefits of physical activity and sedentary behaviour across the life span.
• Critically evaluate methods to measure and support changes in physical activity and sedentary behaviour.
• Critically apply a range of behavioural and communication techniques to assist the patient in optimizing their behavior and to facilitate self-management.