"Girasole" pilot project

Infograph. Girasole (sunflower) is a pilot project jointly developed by the Canton of Ticino and the FOPH. The main aim of this project is to promote behavioural change in patients who are at increased risk for non-communicable diseases (due to a non-balanced diet, smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, or lack of exercise). Particular emphasis is placed on the promotion of physical activity. General practitioners employ the two interventional techniques of motivational interviewing and shared decision-making, permitting higher-quality interaction with patients. With the aid of these techniques, doctors motivate, support and encourage their patients to adopt a more healthy lifestyle, provided that the latter wish to achieve behavioural change of this kind. At the same time, patients knowledge and health literacy is enhanced.