Abstract
Introduction
In the context of the global shift towards primary prevention and behavioural change interventions for non-communicable diseases, this scoping review aimed to map the existing scientific literature on the Making Every Contact Count (MECC) programme implemented in healthcare settings for adult patients and identify remaining knowledge gaps.Methods
PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for indexed articles published between 2010 and January 2026 using combinations of the terms "Making Every Contact Count", NOT "third and social economy sector", and NOT "voluntary and community sector". Studies were included if they investigated MECC implementation in healthcare settings for adult patients. Two reviewers independently extracted and appraised the data. A visual evidence mapping synthesis was then developed.Results
Of the 304 references identified, 22 articles published between 2013 and 2025 were included. Studies were conducted in the United Kingdom and Ireland across diverse healthcare delivery sectors. Investigated dimensions included MECC training, implementation, and delivery from the perspectives of healthcare professionals, patients, and students, as well as document analyses. Outcomes mainly related to attitudes, perceptions, and implementation determinants. The methodological and reporting quality of the included studies was heterogeneous. Identified gaps concerned working conditions, the applicability of MECC across different implementation contexts, the intensity, duration, and content of MECC delivery, and its cost-effectiveness, particularly regarding specific behavioural risk factors.Conclusions
Interest in MECC is increasing. This scoping review synthesised the existing literature, mapped key evidence gaps, and highlighted the limited evidence currently available regarding the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of MECC, particularly across different clinical and national implementation contexts. The findings also suggest that evidence supporting Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment approaches cannot be directly extrapolated to MECC. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD420251044644.