Table 4 Intervention phases, call frequency and call objectives

Phase one Month 1

Weekly

1-4

Rapport-building, engagement, education, skill-building

• Program overview

• Feedback on pre-program assessment to build motivation to change

• Build engagement through homework and self-monitoring

• Understand importance of physical activity, healthy eating and healthy weight

• Understand and begin using behaviour change skills: setting goals, tracking, problem-solving, identifying benefits, rewarding success

Phase two Months 2-3

Fortnightly

5-8

Putting it into practice

• Progress goals

• Add new target behaviours

• Review progress, reinforce success, identify benefits and problem-solve barriers

• Ongoing education

Phase three Months 4-6

Monthly

9-12

Consolidation and maintenance

• Use of supports and strategies for maintaining changes

• Shift to participant lead in progressing goals and tracking behaviour

• Closure