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BEHAVIOUR CHANGE SUPPORT

Dr Michael Vallis, PhD R Psych

Behaviour Change Consultant
Associate Professor, Family Medicine
Dalhousie University
Halifax, CANADA

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MICHAEL VALLIS, PHD R PSYCH BIO

Dr. Vallis is a registered health psychologist practicing in Halifax, Canada. He is a Health Behaviour Change Consultant and Associate Professor in Family Medicine at Dalhousie University. His main areas of expertise are diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular risk and gastroenterology. He has worked in the public health system for 35 years and is now working as a consultant and doing private practice. He regularly supervises clinical and academic students at Dalhousie and is active in research on motivation, behavioural change and psychosocial adaptation to chronic disease.  He consults nationally as well as internationally and is heavily involved in journal editing, clinical practice guidelines and academic publications. He was recently awarded a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Government of Canada on the recommendation of Diabetes Canada.

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RECENT RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS

These papers describe the nature of behaviour cahnge counselling

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CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHING COMPETENCY IN BEHAVIOUR CHANGE CUUNSELLING

Public Health, 2019;175:43-53

DEFINING THE SKILLS THAT UNDERLIE COMPETENT BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COUNSELLING

Public Health, 2018,154:70-78

EFECTIVE BEHAVIOUR CHANGE SUPPORT REQUIRES A SHIFT IN THE PRIDER: FROM "TEACH AND TELL" TO "COLLABORATE AND EMPOWER"

Canadian Journal of Daibetes, 2015;39:330-334

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TRAINING PROGRAM

SEE WWW.BEHAVIOURCHANGEINSTITUTE.CA FOR IN DEPTH VIDEOS

Overview of the Four Skills Domains

https://vimeo.com/226779542

SKILL 1

ESTABLISHING A CHANGE-BASED RELATIONSHIP

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SKILL 2

GETTING TO BEHAVIOUR
Assessing readiness and promoting readiness when appropriate

SKILL 3

Behaviour Modification When Ready

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SKILL 4

Addressing PsychoSocial Determinants of Behaviour

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 PUBLICATIONS


Journal Articles (2011-2019)


Vallis M , Lee-Baggley D , Sampalli T , Shepard D , McIssaac L , Ryer A , Ryan-Carson S , Manley S.

(2019). Integrating behaviour change counselling into chronic disease management: a square peg in a

round hole? A system-level exploration in primary health care.Public health. 175: 43-53.

Vallis, M, Lee-Baggley, D, Sampalli, T, Ryer, A, Ryan-Carson, S, Kumanan, K., Edwards, L. (2108) Equipping Providers with Principles, Knowledge and Skills to Successfully Integrate Behaviour Change Counselling into Practice:  A Primary Health Care Framework . Public Health;154:70-78.

Piccinini-Vallis H, Vallis M. (2018). Curbing excess gestational weight gain in primary care: using a point-ofcare

tool based on behavior change theory.Int J Womens Healt. 10: 609-615.

Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee, Robinson DJ, Coons M, Haensel H, Vallis

M, Yale JF. (2018). Diabetes and Mental Health. Can J Diabetes. 42(S1): S130-S141

Berard L, Antonishyn N, Arcudi K, Blunden S, Cheng A, Goldenberg R, Harris S, Jones S, Mehan U,

Morrell J, Roscoe R, Siemens R, Vallis M, Yale JF. (2018). Insulin Matters: A Practical Approach to Basal

Insulin Management in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Ther. 9(2): 501-509.

Abidi S, Vallis M, Piccinini-Vallis H, Imran SA, Abidi SSR. (2018). Diabetes-Related Behavior Change

Knowledge Transfer to Primary Care Practitioners and Patients: Implementation and Evaluation of a Digital

Health Platform.JMIR Med Inform. 6(2): e25.

Nichols J, Vallis M, Boutette S, Gall Casey C, Yu CH. (2018). A Canadian Cross-Sectional Survey on

Psychosocial Supports for Adults Living With Type 1 or 2 Diabetes: Health-Care Providers' Awareness,

Capacity and Motivation.Can J Diabetes. 42(2): 389-394.

Kohler G , Sampalli T , Ryer A , Porter J , Wood L , Bedford L , Higgins-Bowser I , Edwards L , Christian

E , Dunn S , Gibson R , Ryan Carson S , Vallis M , Zed J , Tugwell B , Van Zoost C , Canfield C , Rivoire

E. (2017). Bringing Value-Based Perspectives to Care: Including Patient and Family Members in Decision-

Making Processes.International journal of health policy and management. 6(11): 661-668.


Rand, K, Vallis, M, Aston, M, Piccinini-Vallis, H, Rehman, L, Kirk, S. (2017). “It is not the diet; it is the mental part we need help with.” A multilevel analysis of psychological, emotional, and social well-being in obesity. International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being. 12:1.

Abidi S , Vallis M , Piccinini-Vallis H , Imran SA , Abidi SSR. (2017). A Digital Framework to Support

Providers and Patients in Diabetes Related Behavior Modification.Studies in health technology and

informatics. 235: 589-593.


Byrne, M, O’Connell, A, Egan, A, Dinneen, S, Hynes, L, O’Hara, M, Holt, R, Willaing, I, Vallis, M, Hendrieck, C and Coyne, I. (2017). A core outcomes set for clinical trials of interventions for young adults with type 1 diabetes: an international, multi-perspective Delphi consensus study. Trials;18:602- 670.

Morris J, Nikolopoulos H, Berry T, Jain V, Vallis M, Piccinini-Vallis H, Bell RC; ENRICH team. (2017).

Healthcare providers' gestational weight gain counselling practises and the influence of knowledge and

attitudes: a cross-sectional mixed methods study. BMJ Open. 14(7)


Jones A , Vallis M , Cooke D , Pouwer F. (2016). Review of research grant allocation to psychosocial studies in diabetes research. Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association.


Stuckey HL , Mullan-Jensen C , Kalra S , Reading J , Wens J , Vallis M , Kokoszka A , Malek R , Kovacs Burns K , Piana N , Skovlund SE , Peyrot M. (2016). Living with an adult who has diabetes: Qualitative insights from the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study. Diabetes research and clinical practice. 116: 270-8.


Kovacs Burns K , Holt RI , Nicolucci A , Lucisano G , Skovlund SE , Comaschi M , Vallis M , Peyrot M. (2016). Correlates of psychological outcomes among family members of people with diabetes in the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2(™) ) study.Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association. 33(9): 1184-93.


Jones A , Vallis M , Cooke D , Pouwer F. (2016). Working Together to Promote Diabetes Control: A

Practical Guide for Diabetes Health Care Providers in Establishing a Working Alliance to Achieve Self- Management Support. Journal of diabetes research. 2016: 2830910.


Imran SA , Tiemensma J , Kaiser SM , Vallis M , Doucette S , Abidi E , Yip CE , De Tugwell B , Siddiqi F , Clarke DB. (2016). Morphometric changes correlate with poor psychological outcomes in patients with acromegaly. European journal of endocrinology / European Federation of Endocrine Societies. 174(1): 41-50.


Jones, A Vallis, M Cooke, D Pouwer, F. (2016). Working together to promote diabetes control: A [practical guide for diabetes health care providers in establishing a working alliance to achieve self-management support. Journal of Diabetes Research. 2016: 1-6.


Vallis M. (2016). Quality of life and psychological well-being in obesity management: improving the odds of success by managing distress. International journal of clinical practice. 70(3): 196-205.


Vallis M. (2016). A Collaborative Approach to a Chronic Care Problem: An Academic Mentor's Point of View. Healthcare Papers. 15 Suppl: 74-9.


Vallis M , Burns KK , Hollahan D , Ross S , Hahn J. (2016). Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs Second Study (DAWN2): Understanding Diabetes-Related Psychosocial Outcomes for Canadians with Diabetes. Canadian journal of diabetes.


Vallis, M Kovacs Burns, K Hollahan, D Ross, S Hahn, J. (2016). Diabetes attitudes , wishes and needs second study (DAWN2): Understanding diabetes-related psychosocial outcomes for Canadians with diabetes. Canadian Journal of Diabetes. 40: 1-28.


Amar C , Verma J , King D , MacAusland D , Harper T , Vallis M. (2016). Self-Management Support

in Chronic Care: Practice Implementation Lessons for Healthcare Providers from an Atlantic Collaborative. Healthcare quarterly (Toronto, Ont.). 18(4): 49-54.


Stuckey HL , Vallis M , Kovacs Burns K , Mullan-Jensen CB , Reading JM , Kalra S , Wens J , Kokoszka A , Skovlund SE , Peyrot M. (2015). "I Do My Best To Listen to Patients": Qualitative Insights Into DAWN2 (Diabetes Psychosocial Care From the Perspective of Health Care Professionals in the Second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs Study). Clinical therapeutics. 37: 1986-1998.


Jones A , Vallis M , Pouwer F. (2015). If it does not significantly change HbA1c levels why should we waste time on it? A plea for the prioritization of psychological well-being in people with diabetes. Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association. 32(2): 155-63.


Harman, K., MacRae, M., Vallis, M., & Bassett, R.(2015). Working with People to Make Changes: A Behavioural Change Approach Used in Chronic Low Back Pain Rehabilitation. Physiotherapy Canada. 66: 82-90.


Kovacs Burns, K Vallis, M Ross, S Hollahan, D Hahn, J. (2015). Psychosocial and management experiences of Canadian family members living with people with diabetes: The second diabetes attitudes, wishes and needs study (DAWN2). Diabetes Research and Treatment. 2(2): 125.


Campbell TS , Bacon SL , Corace K , Lavoie KL , Rash MSc JA , Vallis M , Canadian Network for Health Behaviour Change and Promotion. (2015). Comment on Pladevall et al, "A Randomized Controlled Trial to Provide Adherence Information and Motivational Interviewing to Improve Diabetes and Lipid Control". The Diabetes educator. 41: 625-626.


Hollahan, D Ross, S Vallis, M Kovacs Burns, K Hahn, J. (2015). Perspectives of Canadian healthcare professionals on diabetes self-management and care: Diabetes attitudes, wishes and needs 2 (DAWN2). Diabetes Research and Treatment. 2(2): 126-143.


Vallis M. (2015). Are Behavioural Interventions Doomed to Fail? Challenges to Self-Management Support in Chronic Diseases. Canadian journal of diabetes. 39(4): 330-4.


Vallis M , Jones A , Pouwer F. (2014). Managing hypoglycemia in diabetes may be more fear management than glucose management: a practical guide for diabetes care providers. Current diabetes reviews. 10(6): 364-70.


Stuckey HL , Mullan-Jensen CB , Reach G , Kovacs Burns K , Piana N , Vallis M , Wens J , Willaing I , Skovlund SE , Peyrot M. (2014). Personal accounts of the negative and adaptive psychosocial experiences of people with diabetes in the second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study. Diabetes care. 37(9): 2466-74.


Harman K , MacRae M , Vallis M. (2014). The Development and Testing of a Checklist to Study Behaviour Change Techniques used in a Treatment Programme for Canadian Armed Forces Members with Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain. Physiotherapy Canada. Physiothérapie Canada. 66(3): 313-21.


Stuckey HL, Mullan-Jensen CB, Reach G, Kovacs Burns K, Piana N, Vallis M, Wens J, Willaing I, Skovlund SE, Peyrot M. (2014). Personal Accounts of the Negative and Adaptive Psychosocial Experiences of People With Diabetes in the Second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) Study. Diabetes Care.37(9): 2466-2474.


Goodwin PJ , Segal RJ , Vallis M , Ligibel JA , Pond GR , Robidoux A , Blackburn GL , Findlay B , Gralow JR , Mukherjee S , Levine M , Pritchard KI. (2014). Randomized trial of a telephone-based weight loss intervention in postmenopausal women with breast cancer receiving letrozole: the LISA trial. Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. 32(21): 2231-9.


Abidi S , Vallis M , Raza Abidi SS , Piccinini-Vallis H , Imran SA. (2014). D-WISE: Diabetes Web-Centric Information and Support Environment: conceptual specification and proposed evaluation. Canadian journal of diabetes. 38(3): 205-11.


Goodwin PJ, Segal RJ, Vallis M, Ligibel JA, Pond GR, Robidoux A, Blackburn GL, Findlay B, Gralow JR, Mukherjee S, Levine M, Pritchard KI.(2014). Randomized trial of a telephone-based weight loss intervention in postmenopausal women with breast cancer receiving letrozole: the LISA trial. J Clin Oncol. 20(32): 2231-2239.


Rueda-Clausen CF , Benterud E , Bond T , Olszowka R , Vallis MT , Sharma AM. (2014). Effect of implementing the 5As of obesity management framework on provider-patient interactions in primary care. Clinical obesity. 4(1): 39-44.


Kirk SF , Price SL , Penney TL , Rehman L , Lyons RF , Piccinini-Vallis H , Vallis TM , Curran J , Aston M. (2014). Blame, Shame, and Lack of Support: A Multilevel Study on Obesity Management. Qualitative health research. 24(6): 790-800.


Vallis M. (2013). We've Come a Long Way…Haven't We?. Canadian journal of diabetes. 37(1): 1.


Cox JL , Vallis TM , Pfammatter A , Szpilfogel C , Carr B , O'Neill BJ. (2013). A novel approach to cardiovascular health by optimizing risk management (ANCHOR): behavioural modification in primary care effectively reduces global risk.The Canadian journal of cardiology. 29(11): 1-8.


Vallis M. (2013). Behaviour Change Counselling-How Do I Know If I Am Doing It Well? The Development of the Behaviour Change Counselling Scale (BCCS).Canadian journal of diabetes. 37(1): 18-26.


Rueda-Clausen, C, Benterud, E, Olszowka, M, Vallis, M, & Sharma, A.(2013). Effect of implementing the 5As of obesity management framework on provider-patient interactions in primary care. Clinical Obesity. Published online Oct 29. 4(1): 39-44.


Vallis M , Piccinini-Vallis H , Sharma AM , Freedhoff Y. (2013). Six as model of counseling in obesity, responses. Canadian family physician Médecin de famille canadien. 59(4): 353.


Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee , Robinson DJ , Luthra M , Vallis M. (2013). Diabetes and mental health.Canadian journal of diabetes. 37 Suppl 1: S87-92.


Nicolucci A , Kovacs Burns K , Holt RI , Comaschi M , Hermanns N , Ishii H , Kokoszka A , Pouwer F , Skovlund SE , Stuckey H , Tarkun I , Vallis M , Wens J , Peyrot M ,. (2013). Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs second study (DAWN2™): cross-national benchmarking of diabetes-related psychosocial outcomes for people with diabetes.Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association. 30(7): 767-777.


Vallis M , Piccinini-Vallis H , Sharma AM , Freedhoff Y. (2013). Clinical review: modified 5 As: minimal intervention for obesity counseling in primary care.Canadian family physician Médecin de famille canadien. 59(1): 27-31.


Freedhoff, Y., Sharma, A., Kirk, S., Vallis, M., Poirer, P., Ball, G., Cash, S., & Christou, N.(2012). Realistic first steps in managing obesity in Canada.Clinical Obesity. 2(3-4): 78-82.


Vallis, T.M.(2012). A new DAWN for diabetes in Canada. Canadian Journal of Diabetes. 36: 210-213.


Cox JL , Carr B , Vallis TM , Szpilfogel C , O'Neill BJ. (2011). A novel approach to cardiovascular health by optimizing risk management (ANCHOR): a primary prevention initiative examining the impact of health risk factor assessment and management on cardiac wellness.The Canadian journal of cardiology. 27(6): 809-817.


Jones, H., Ruggiero, L., Edwards, L., Vallis, T.M., Rossi, S., Rossi, J., Green, G., Kelly, K., Prochaska, J., & Zinman, B.(2011). Diabetes stages of change (DiSC): evaluation methodology for a new approach to diabetes management. Canadian Journal of Diabetes. 25: 97-101.


Funnell, M.M. & Vallis, M.(2011). Diabetes HealthSense: Development of a Resource in Support of Behavior Change. Diabetes Spectrum. 24: 144-147.


Ferrier S , Blanchard CM , Vallis M , Giacomantonio N. (2011). Behavioural interventions to increase the physical activity of cardiac patients: a review.European journal of cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation : official journal of the European Society of Cardiology, Working Groups on Epidemiology & Prevention and Cardiac Rehabilitation and Ex. 18(1): 15-32.


Vallis, M.(2011). Depression, Anxiety and Pain of COPD.A Focus in COPD. Fall: 4-7.


Sabourin, B., Vallis, M., & Currie, S.(2011). Development and Pilot-Testing of a Brief Psychosocial Group Intervention Protocol for Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management. Canadian Journal of Diabetes. 35: 287-294.


Funnell, M.M. & Vallis, M.(2011). Diabetes HealthSense: Development of a Resource in Support of Behavior Change. , 2011;24:144-147.Diabetes Spectrum. 24: 144-147.


Vallis, M., Dunbar, P., Tay, L., & Nash, A.(2011). Evaluation of a Nova Scotia Diabetes Assistance Program for People with Type 2 Diabetes.Canadian Journal of Diabetes. 35: 54-62.


Vallis, TM, Dunbar, P, Tay, L, Nash, A.(2011). Financial and Self Management Support for Those with Type 2 Diabetes: Evaluation of the Nova Scotia Diabetes Financial and Self Management Support Program. Canadian Journal of Diabetes. 35(1): 54-62.


Vallis, M.(2011). Bridging the Divide: Improving the Management of Psychosocial Issues for Atlantic Canadians with Diabetes.Diabetes Care in Nova Scotia: A Newsletter of the Diabetes Care Program of

Nova Scotia.21: 8-9.


Sabourin, B., Vallis, T.M., Currie, S.(2011). Development and Pilot-Testing of a Brief Psychosocial Group Intervention Protocol for Diabetes Self-Management.Canadian Journal of Diabetes. 35: 287-294.


Cox, J., Carr, B. Vallis, M., Szpilfogel, C., & O’Neil, B.(2011). A Novel Approach to Cardiovascular Health by Optimizing Risk Management (ANCHOR): A Primary Prevention Initiative Examining the Impact of Health Risk Factor Assessment and Management on Cardiac Wellness.Canadian Journal of Cardiology. 27: 809-817.



Clinical Practice Guidelines:


Executive Committee Member, 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Obesity in Adults in Canada.

Co-author. Psychological Factors in Diabetes/ Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Panel. (in preparation for 2018). Description / Contribution Value: Chapter Co-Author

Co-author. Psychological Factors in Diabetes/ Canadian Diabetes Association Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Panel. (2013). Description / Contribution Value: Chapter Co-Author

Committee Member. Steering Committee, Canadian Obesity Network/Obesity Canada Clinical Practise Guideline Revision process (2011 – 2013). (2013). Description / Contribution Value: Steering Committee Member


Awards:


Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubille Medal (2013). Awarded by the Givernment of Canada on the recommendation of the Canadian Diabetes Assocation for contributions.


Healthcare Professional of the Year (2011). Canadian Diabetes Association Regional Awards Committee


Clinical Community Recognition Award (2007). Presented by the graduate students in the Department of

Psychology, Dalhousie University, for outstanding contribution to the Clinical Psychology Program.


Brian Dufton Memorial Manuscript Award, Canadian Diabetes Association. 2007, 2006, and 2005


Clinical Community Recognition Award 1998. Presented by the graduate students in the Department of

Psychology, Dalhousie University, for outstanding contribution to the Clinical Psychology Program

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