Project Description

If information was the only thing required to change behaviour, everyone would be physically active and eating a balanced diet every day. The reality is simply providing people with information isn’t enough to fundamentally change their behaviour in the long term.

Our behaviour change programs are designed to accommodate the individual’s ability and account for the realities of their day to day lives. They employ tactics such as nudges and choice architecture to achieve goals that are attainable, sustainable, and meaningful to the person.

Reframe worked with WCH Family Health Team to address the concern of people not reaching the weekly goal of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity. From our first patient consultation it was clear people wanted individual plans, not unattainable Health Canada guidelines. As part of the team we developed a process to determine the individual’s current activity level, readiness to change and their confidence level in their ability to change. From there the patient received a set of resources that spoke to their own circumstances.

This project was awarded the University of Toronto’s Family & Community Medicine Quality Improvement Award of Excellence.

Incorporating little bits of exercise into our daily routines is surprisingly easy, but it takes a significant mental shift. Our approach starts with relating to people’s own circumstances, addressing their barriers, and nudging them through small steps. Everyone’s reality and ability is different, it’s essential to start with attainable, sustainable goals. Make Your Day Harder included a whiteboard video, website, and social media campaign working in unison. We encouraged people to join the movement and share how they would #MakeYourDayHarder through social media.