Prerequisites for implementing physical activity on prescription for children with obesity in paediatric health care: A cross-sectional survey

Physical activity on prescription for children with obesity: a focus group study exploring experiences in paediatric healthcare

Background

Insufficient physical activity is a growing public health concern and is closely linked to obesity in both adults and children. Swedish physical activity on prescription (PAP) is effective in increasing physical activity levels in adults, but knowledge about how PAP is used in paediatric healthcare is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explore experiences of working with PAP for children with obesity amongst paediatric staff and managers.

Methods

Seven focus group discussions with 26 participants from paediatric outpatient clinics in western Sweden were conducted. Data were analysed both inductively and deductively, framed by the Normalization Process Theory's four core constructs: coherence, cognitive participation, collective action, and reflexive monitoring.

Results

The PAP work for children with obesity was experienced to be about helping children to become physically active, and less about losing weight. Identified barriers for using PAP were the non-uniform nature of the work and a perceived lack of guidelines. Collaboration with physiotherapists and physical activity organisers outside the organisation was identified as an important facilitator. An important contextual factor for implementing PAP is the collaboration between paediatric clinics and physical activity organisers. In the transition between these stakeholders, maintaining a family-centred approach when working with PAP was experienced as challenging.

Conclusions

PAP is a well-known intervention that is inconsistently used for children with obesity. The intervention should include a family-centred approach for this patient group. It also needs to align better with existing collaborations with other healthcare units as well as with new forms of collaboration with physical activity organisers in the community.

Physical activity on prescription in Swedish primary care: a survey on use, views, and implementation determinants amongst general practitioners

INTRODUCTION

Swedish Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) has been shown to increase physical activity levels, which is known to lead to positive health effects. PAP is being implemented in Swedish healthcare to various extents. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how Swedish general practitioners (GPs) work with PAP and what hinders and facilitates wider implementation.

AIMS

This study aimed to survey GPs' use and views of PAP, identify barriers and facilitators for implementing PAP, and explore associations to gender, practice location, and experience.

METHODS

The study was framed by the Normalization Process Theory. A survey was sent to 463 GPs at 69 different healthcare centres in Region Västra Götaland. Data were analysed using multiple logistic and linear regressions.

RESULTS

A total of 143 GPs completed the survey (response rate 31%). Views on PAP were generally positive amongst respondents, but only 27% reported using PAP regularly. The most prominent reported barriers were insufficient training and resources. Positive views and willingness to collaborate in using PAP were identified as facilitators. Responding GPs in Gothenburg used PAP more often (OR 6.4; 95% CI 2.7-14.8) and were significantly more positive to the method than GPs in other areas of the region. GPs with more than 10 years of practice used PAP more often (OR 2.5; 95% CI 1.1-6.0) than less experienced GPs. Few of the investigated variables were associated with gender.

CONCLUSIONS

The positive views amongst responding GPs are helpful, but more education, training and resources are needed for successful implementation of PAP in Swedish primary health care.