This article focuses on prevention in the Five Year Forward View (NHS England, 2014a) and the role of primary care, particularly the role of the general practice nurse (GPN). It will:

• Describe the policy context for behaviour change interventions and how this will affect the expectations of clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and NHS England as commissioners of general practice
• Define behaviour change interventions and the role of the GPN in delivering these
• Link behaviour change to longterm conditions management and support for self-care
• Recognise some of the practical issues which work against delivery of behaviour change in general practice
• Set out the opportunities for GPNs as leaders in improving their patients’ health.