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Jane B, Downey J. Exercise referral schemes in the UK: mapping provision and aims. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024:fdae057. [PMID: 38702841 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise Referral Schemes (ERS) are designed so health professionals can refer certain patients to a supervised programme of physical activity. However, evaluations have questioned the effectiveness of these schemes/programmes. The aim of this study was to systematically review the provision of ERS in England and analyse related promotional material. METHODS Content analysis methods were used to analyse scheme websites and promotional material. A coding scheme was used to analyse the data, which included information on the programme's aims, inclusion criteria, type of activities, accessibility and cost. RESULTS The study identified 625 sites offering ERS across 168 geographic areas. Findings highlighted a lack of clarity in what constitutes a scheme. Over a third of schemes did not explicitly state their aims, but of those that did, the focus was mainly on notions of physical and mental health benefits. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to review the scope and offer of ERS in the UK by examining promotional material and highlights issues around the stated aims of ERS. More clarity on aims is needed in the material that promotes the schemes and most likely within the schemes themselves. Such improvements could make a difference when considering engagement with delivery stakeholders and potential participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Jane
- School of Health & Wellbeing, Plymouth Marjon University, Plymouth PL6 8BH, UK
| | - John Downey
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
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Strongman C, Cavallerio F, Timmis MA, Morrison A. Evaluating consistency of physical activity and exercise prescription in the UK for people with diabetes - a Delphi study. FRONTIERS IN CLINICAL DIABETES AND HEALTHCARE 2023; 4:1278597. [PMID: 38130886 PMCID: PMC10733474 DOI: 10.3389/fcdhc.2023.1278597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Increased physical activity is recommended as a cost-effective measure to tackle long-term management of people with diabetes, but research on interventions lacks consistency in terms of effective duration and modality. Methods The aim of this study was to evaluate expert consensus on exercise and physical activity prescription via a three-round Delphi study conducted with 45 UK-based health and fitness professionals experienced in prescribing exercise or physical activity to people with diabetes. Results The majority of items put forward to the panel reached consensus with 70% or above voting these items as important, but the details of the type, duration and/or modality of exercise or physical activity prescription within these items often contradicted each other, suggesting that patients are receiving inconsistent advice. The range of different exercise prescription found in this study suggests that patients are being given inconsistent and potentially confusing advice, which may affect their participation in exercise and long-term lifestyle change. Conclusion More consistent promotion of advice from healthcare and fitness professionals may help with increasing physical activity in this participant group and achieving long term behavior change, reducing patient symptoms as well as reducing the cost to the National Health Service (NHS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Strongman
- Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Silva CS, Godinho C, Encantado J, Rodrigues B, Carraça EV, Teixeira PJ, Silva MN. Implementation determinants of physical activity interventions in primary health care settings using the TICD framework: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1082. [PMID: 37821932 PMCID: PMC10568782 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09881-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Translation into practice of effective physical activity interventions in primary care is difficult, due to a complex interaction of implementation determinants. We aimed to identify implementation barriers and facilitators of four primary care interventions: physical activity assessment, counselling, prescription, and referral. METHODS A systematic review of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies published since 2016 was conducted. The "Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases" (TICD) framework was adapted to extract and synthesize barriers and facilitators. RESULTS Sixty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. Barriers (n = 56) and facilitators (n = 55) were identified across seven domains, related to characteristics of the intervention, individual factors of the implementers and receivers, organizational factors, and political and social determinants. The five most frequently reported determinants were: professionals' knowledge and skills; intervention feasibility/compatibility with primary health care routine; interventions' cost and financial incentives; tools and materials; and professionals' cognitions and attitudes. "Social, political and legal factors" domain was the least reported. Physical activity counselling, prescription, and referral were influenced by determinants belonging to all the seven domains. CONCLUSION The implementation of physical activity interventions in primary care is influenced by a broader range of determinants. Barriers and facilitators related with health professionals, intervention characteristics, and available resources were the most frequently reported. A deep understanding of the local context, with particularly emphasis on these determinants, should be considered when preparing an intervention implementation, in order to contribute for designing tailored implementation strategies and optimize the interventions' effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Santos Silva
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
- Programa Nacional Para a Promoção da Atividade Física, Direção-Geral da Saúde, Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cristina Godinho
- Programa Nacional Para a Promoção da Atividade Física, Direção-Geral da Saúde, Lisboa, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jorge Encantado
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bruno Rodrigues
- CIAFEL, Faculdade de Desporto da Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eliana V Carraça
- CIDEFES, Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física, Exercício e Saúde, Universidade Lusófona, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro J Teixeira
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marlene Nunes Silva
- Programa Nacional Para a Promoção da Atividade Física, Direção-Geral da Saúde, Lisboa, Portugal
- CIDEFES, Centro de Investigação em Desporto, Educação Física, Exercício e Saúde, Universidade Lusófona, Lisboa, Portugal
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Oliver EJ, Buckley BJ, Dodd-Reynolds C, Downey J, Hanson CL, Henderson H, Hawkins J, Steele J, Wade M, Watson PM. Where next for the design, delivery and evaluation of community-based physical activity prescription? Emerging lessons from the United Kingdom. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2021; 46:1430-1434. [PMID: 34324824 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2021-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite widespread use, community-based physical activity prescription is controversial. Data limitations have resulted in a lack of clarity about what works, under what circumstances, and for whom, reflected in conservative policy recommendations. In this commentary we challenge a predominantly negative discourse, using contemporary research to highlight promising findings and 'lessons learnt' for design, delivery, and evaluation. In doing so, we argue for the importance of a more nuanced approach to future commissioning and evaluation. Contribution: • Amalgamating learning from multiple research teams to create recommendations for advancing physical activity prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Oliver
- Durham University, 3057, Sport and Exercise Sciences, 42 Old Elvet, Durham, Durham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, DH1 3LE;
| | - Benjamin Jr Buckley
- University of Liverpool, 4591, Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
| | - Caroline Dodd-Reynolds
- Durham University, 3057, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Durham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
| | - John Downey
- Plymouth Marjon University, 6629, Plymouth, Devon, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
| | - Coral L Hanson
- Edinburgh Napier University, 3121, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
| | - Hannah Henderson
- University of Lincoln, 4547, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
| | - Jemma Hawkins
- Cardiff University, 2112, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
| | - James Steele
- Solent University, 7422, Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
| | - Matthew Wade
- ukactive Research Institute, 569080, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
| | - Paula M Watson
- Liverpool John Moores University, 4589, Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland;
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Law RJ, Langley J, Hall B, Burton C, Hiscock J, Williams L, Morrison V, Lemmey A, Lovell-Smith C, Gallanders J, Cooney JK, Williams N. 'Function First': how to promote physical activity and physical function in people with long-term conditions managed in primary care? A study combining realist and co-design methods. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e046751. [PMID: 34315792 PMCID: PMC8317101 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To develop a taxonomy of interventions and a programme theory explaining how interventions improve physical activity and function in people with long-term conditions managed in primary care. To co-design a prototype intervention informed by the programme theory. DESIGN Realist synthesis combining evidence from a wide range of rich and relevant literature with stakeholder views. Resulting context, mechanism and outcome statements informed co-design and knowledge mobilisation workshops with stakeholders to develop a primary care service innovation. RESULTS A taxonomy was produced, including 13 categories of physical activity interventions for people with long-term conditions. ABRIDGED REALIST PROGRAMME THEORY Routinely addressing physical activity within consultations is dependent on a reinforcing practice culture, and targeted resources, with better coordination, will generate more opportunities to address low physical activity. The adaptation of physical activity promotion to individual needs and preferences of people with long-term conditions helps affect positive patient behaviour change. Training can improve knowledge, confidence and capability of practice staff to better promote physical activity. Engagement in any physical activity promotion programme will depend on the degree to which it makes sense to patients and professions, and is seen as trustworthy. CO-DESIGN The programme theory informed the co-design of a prototype intervention to: improve physical literacy among practice staff; describe/develop the role of a physical activity advisor who can encourage the use of local opportunities to be more active; and provide materials to support behaviour change. CONCLUSIONS Previous physical activity interventions in primary care have had limited effect. This may be because they have only partially addressed factors emerging in our programme theory. The co-designed prototype intervention aims to address all elements of this emergent theory, but needs further development and consideration alongside current schemes and contexts (including implications relevant to COVID-19), and testing in a future study. The integration of realist and co-design methods strengthened this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca-Jane Law
- North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | | | - Beth Hall
- Library and Archives Services, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Christopher Burton
- School of Allied and Public Health Professions, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
| | - Julia Hiscock
- North Wales Centre for Primary Care Research, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Lynne Williams
- School of Healthcare Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Val Morrison
- School of Psychology, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | - Andrew Lemmey
- School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, UK
| | | | | | | | - Nefyn Williams
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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