Explore the Evidence

Grounded in behaviour change science


Healthy Conversation Skills (HCS) was developed by health psychologists at the University of Southampton to help health professionals integrate person-centred behaviour change conversations into everyday practice. Over the past 15 years, HCS has been implemented internationally and evaluated across a range of healthcare and community settings. The training has been developed, evaluated, and refined over more than 15 years.

Evidence of impact


Research demonstrates that Healthy Conversation Skills Training results in:

  • Increased confidence among health professionals

  • Improved person-centred communication skills

  • More frequent behaviour change conversations

  • Greater sense of control for the people they support

  • Higher satisfaction with care

  • Improved engagement in goal setting and positive lifestyle change