Practice Support programs and workshops offer practical, skills-based learning to support primary health care providers and teams in their day-to-day work.
Each program is designed to help providers and teams build knowledge, skill and confidence and apply new approaches in real practice settings.
What to Expect
Programs focus on real-world application. They are designed to fit within busy clinical environments and provide tools that can be used right away.
Through these programs, providers and teams can:
- Build skills to support patient care conversations
- Strengthen confidence in managing complex or sensitive situations
- Improve team collaboration and consistency in care
- Apply evidence-informed approaches in practice
Programs are offered in a variety of formats, including workshops, facilitated sessions, and self-paced learning opportunities.
Explore Our Practice Support Programs and Workshops
These programs are part of a broader approach to practice support across Nova Scotia. They are designed to complement other tools, resources, and quality improvement initiatives, helping teams continue to strengthen care over time.
Adult Mental Health Practice Support Program
The Adult Mental Health Practice Support Program provides training and support for family physicians, nurse practitioners, and allied health staff to enhance skills and confidence in diagnosing and treating patients with mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and substance use, while maintaining a trauma-informed approach to care. The program is certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada. Click here to learn more.
Behaviour Change Counselling Development Program (BCCDP)
The Behaviour Change Counselling Development Program (BCCDP) is a flexible, skill-building program designed for health professionals who support patients in making healthy, sustainable behaviour changes. Developed by and for primary health care, it combines self-directed e-learning modules with live, instructor-led practice workshops, and is grounded in motivational communication principles to build provider confidence, improve communication, and strengthen person-centred care. BCCDP is available in three tailored learning pathways for both clinical and non-clinical staff, including a CME-accredited pathway for physicians and nurse practitioners. Click here to learn more.
Mental Health First Aid Essentials
Mental Health First Aid Essentials is a streamlined training program being offered to administrative staff working within Primary Health Care. The program builds practical skills and confidence to support someone experiencing declining mental health or mental health crises. It also emphasizes self-care, healthy boundaries, staying within scope, and connecting people to appropriate professional supports. Click here to learn more.
Physical Activity Counselling Practice Support Program
The Physical Activity Counselling Practice Support Program supports primary health care providers and teams to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to incorporate physical activity counselling into practice, helping patients engage in physical activity in ways that are realistic and sustainable for their lives. Click here to learn more.
Palliative Approach to Care
A Palliative Approach to Care supports primary health care teams to provide holistic, person-centred care through early conversations and trusted relationships with patients and their chosen families. By integrating this approach into routine practice, teams can better manage symptoms, align care with patient goals, reduce unnecessary hospital visits, and support caregivers, helping more patients receive compassionate, coordinated care closer to home and aligned with what matters most to them. Click here to learn more. Click here to learn more.
