UK Doctors Delivering Physical Activity Advice: What Are the Challenges and Possible Solutions? A Qualitative Study

Vishnubala, Dane; Iqbal, Adil; Marino, Katherine; Whatmough, Steven; Barker, Ruth; Salman, David; Bazira, Peter; Finn, Gabrielle; Pringle, Andy; Nykjaer, Camilla

Abstract

Despite strategies to enable Health Care Professionals (HCPs) to give physical activity (PA) advice to patients, this appears to be rarely done in consultations. The aims of the present study were to gain an understanding of doctors’ awareness of current PA guidelines and to 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 twelve sub-themes were deciphered. Intrinsic factors limiting the delivery of PA advice included a lack of knowledge of PA guidelines and PA being an afterthought. Barriers to delivering PA guidance included a 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 guidance 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 is needed to ensure greater awareness of PA guidelines amongst clinicians.

Citation

Vishnubala, D., Iqbal, A., Marino, K., Whatmough, S., Barker, R., Salman, D., …Nykjaer, C. (2022). UK Doctors Delivering Physical Activity Advice: What Are the Challenges and Possible Solutions? A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19), Article 12030. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912030

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 15, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Sep 23, 2022
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Sep 23, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 23, 2022
• Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Electronic ISSN: 1660-4601
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 19
• Article Number: 12030
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912030
• Keywords: Physical activity; Adults; Medical education
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4082557
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/19/12030