Why Refer

Benefits of referring people to the Get Healthy Service 

The Get Healthy Service uses evidence-based behaviour change and goal-setting techniques to support participants to achieve health outcomes.

The Service has been offered as a free program to NSW residents since 2009 and is an effective adjunct to the care you provide to your patients.

This flagship program delivered by NSW Health uses validated instruments to measure change. Referring people to the Get Healthy Service is a great way to complement your patient care.

Independent studies have substantiated the efficacy of the Service and quality of clinical outcomes. Participants who complete the program (participant data from financial year 2021-2022): 

• lose an average of 1.79 kg and 1.64 cm off their waist circumference and reduce their BMI by 0.64kg/m2
• get more physically active
• eat more fruit and vegetables each day 
• get more physically active. 

Continual evaluation of the service is part of rigorous and ongoing quality improvement processes ​and enhancements have been made based on clinician and participant experience.

Health professionals are ideally placed to refer people who could benefit most from taking part in the Get Healthy Service. Importantly, participants referred by a health professional are more likely to complete the program than those who refer themselves.  

People who register for Get Healthy receive: 

• access to their own university qualified health coach   
• motivation and support to set their own health goals 
• 6 or more regular confidential coaching calls at a time that suits them
• support to help them track goals and actions  
• support to overcome barriers to reaching their goals  
• the option to book coaching sessions online 

The amount of time it takes to complete the program will vary. When patients graduate, they can re-enrol for more coaching, including SMS support. 

Download the 'NSW Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service: The First Five Years 2009 - 2013' evaluation report for more information.

Download the "The Get Healthy Information and Coaching Service Aboriginal Program Evidence and Evaluation Report"  for more information.