Introduction to the Vital 5 and Vital 5 Checks

Course Overview
This training introduces the Vital 5 - key health risk areas that significantly impact long-term wellbeing: blood pressure, mental health, smoking, alcohol use, and weight.
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  • Written by experts
  • Introductory
  • 100% online
  • Video content
  • Multiple choice quiz
  • Approx. 2 hours to complete
  • Completion certificate
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About this course
This training introduces the Vital 5 - key health risk areas that significantly impact long-term wellbeing: blood pressure, mental health, smoking, alcohol use, and weight. You'll explore why these areas matter, how they connect, and the importance of tackling them to reduce preventable illness and health inequalities. The course also outlines the Vital 5 Check, a screening and engagement tool designed to detect risk early, support residents to take control of their health, and connect them with appropriate care or information. This module provides a broad overview to prepare you for future training focused on delivering the check itself.

Course authors and designers

Michael Sanderson 

Prevention Education Programme Lead / SEL and KHP Project Manager for Vital 5 Checks
Michael has over 10 years experience as a teacher, teacher trainer, and course developer in the public and private sector. He specialises in developing training that empowers the workforce to gain knowledge and skills that translates to meaningful outcomes and impact for staff, residents, and patients.

Vital 5 Check delivery settings and the education enabler group






Andre Crawford

FdSc, BSc, PGCE, MA | Learning Technologist
Andre has over 15 years of experience in education, specialising in UX/UI design and content development. As a qualified teacher, he has a background in developing comprehensive college-wide training and development strategies based on skills-gap analysis and creating analytics dashboards for program leaders. Andre is particularly adept at crafting online and blended learning programs, ensuring effective and engaging educational experiences.

Special thanks to the following collaborators:


  • SEL Prevention Education Enabler Group
  • SEL Vital 5 Clinical Reference Group
  • Vital 5 Check Delivery Settings