Making every contact count : an evaluation

Objectives: To conduct an initial evaluation of a behaviour change programme called ‘Making Every Contact Count’ (MECC).

Study design: Retrospective interview study.

Methods: In depth qualitative interviews with key stakeholders engaged in the delivery of MECC which were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically using framework analysis.

Results: The responses of those involved were generally favourable and although the ‘intuitive’ nature of the idea of Making Every Contact Count clearly resonated with interviewees, the take up was variable across different organisations.

Conclusions: The approach to MECC described here was based on some of the principles outlined in the NICE Guidance on behaviour change published in 2007. The report shows that MECC has considerable potential for changing staff behaviour in relation promoting health enhancing behaviour among members of the general public coming into contact with services.