UK doctors delivering physical activity advice: What are the challenges and possible solutions? A qualitative study
Journal article
Authors | Pringle, A. |
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Abstract | Despite strategies to enable Health Care Professionals (HCPs) in giving physical activity (PA) advice to patients, this appears to be rarely given during consultations. The aims of the present study were to gain an understanding of doctors’ awareness of current PA guidelines and explore their opinions on barriers and solutions. A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews was adopted. This study included 15 doctors currently working in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the transcripts. Four themes and 12 sub-themes were deciphered. Intrinsic factors limiting delivery of PA advice included a lack of knowledge of PA guidelines and PA being an afterthought. Barriers to delivering PA guidance included lack of PA education, time pressures and patient engagement. Solutions included staff training, incorporating PA into undergraduate training and encouraging staff to be physically active. Methods to optimise PA advice included individualised PA advice, local exercise services and schemes, utilising online and visual resources and motivational interviewing. This study provides an updated insight into doctors’ opinions on barriers and solutions to discussing PA with patients. It is clear that further work needs to be done to ensure a greater awareness of PA guidelines within clinicians. |
Keywords | physical activity; adults; medical education; doctors |
Year | 2022 |
Journal | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
Journal citation | 19 (19), pp. 1-12 |
Publisher | MDPI Open Access Journals |
ISSN | 1660-4601 |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912030 |
Web address (URL) | https://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 23 Sep 2022 |
Publication process dates | |
Accepted | 15 Sep 2022 |
Deposited | 30 Sep 2022 |
https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/993y1/uk-doctors-delivering-physical-activity-advice-what-are-the-challenges-and-possible-solutions-a-qualitative-study
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