Behaviour Change Counselling Development Program - Accredited CME Learning Pathway

Behaviour change is a core part of primary care, but often one of the most challenging to support. Physicians and nurse practitioners may have just minutes to address motivation, readiness, and barriers, all while managing complex care needs.

As our population ages and chronic conditions rise, supporting people in managing their health – and helping them build the skills to make lasting behaviour changes – is at the heart of care delivery.  

The Behaviour Change Counselling Development Program (BCCDP) was designed to make those conversations more effective, efficient and sustainable.

The CME-Accredited Learning Pathway offers physicians, nurse practitioners and residents a focused and practical option tailored for primary care encounters. The pathway combines eight self-directed modules with three evening practice workshops, earning participants 28.5 certified Mainpro+® credits.

“We designed the CME pathway around clinic realities,” said Jacklynn Humphrey, operations consultant with the Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease Management Network. “Physicians and nurse practitioners need tools that fit into short visits and can be used immediately. This pathway delivers exactly that.”

For many physicians and nurse practitioners, the impact is immediate.

Family physician Dr. Emmanuel Ajuwon, who previously completed the accredited CME learning pathway, described it as a meaningful professional development experience.

“This has been one of the most impactful courses I’ve ever taken,” said Ajuwon. “It has significantly transformed the way I approach consultations, especially in facilitating behaviour change with my patients.”

He emphasized how insightful and practical these skills have been in daily practice.

“With consistent use, they evolve from feeling unfamiliar to becoming second nature – and that’s what I’m currently working on,” he said.

Ajuwon has been actively encouraging his colleagues to participate.

“I’ve been recommending the program to my colleagues and sharing how valuable it’s been,” he said. “You're equipping us with tools to support our patients in making lasting, positive changes – and for that, I’m deeply grateful.”

Program leaders note this is exactly what the accredited CME learning pathway is designed to do. “Providers tell us these skills reduce the emotional strain of difficult conversations,” said Heather Beaton, operations consultant with the Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease Management Network. “They help clinicians feel more effective, and patients feel more supported.”

The peer-to-peer learning model, facilitated by physicians, is another strength often highlighted by participants. Workshops focus on realistic scenarios and quick applications, making the skills easy to integrate into full clinic days.

As primary care teams navigate increasing complexity and demand, effective self-management support has become essential. The CME-Accredited Behaviour Change Counselling Development Program provides a practical, time-efficient way for providers to strengthen those skills.

Registration for Winter/Spring 2026 is now open. Register here or learn more about BCCDP.