Physical activity education in the undergraduate curricula of all UK medical schools. Are tomorrow's doctors equipped to follow clinical guidelines?

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone of disease prevention and treatment. There is, however, a considerable disparity between public health policy, clinical guidelines and the delivery of physical activity promotion within the National Health Service in the UK. If this is to be addressed in the battle against non-communicable diseases, it is vital that tomorrow's doctors understand the basic science and health benefits of physical activity. The aim of this study was to assess the provision of physical activity teaching content in the curricula of all medical schools in the UK. Our results, with responses from all UK medical schools, uncovered some alarming findings, showing that there is widespread omission of basic teaching elements, such as the Chief Medical Officer recommendations and guidance on physical activity. There is an urgent need for physical activity teaching to have dedicated time at medical schools, to equip tomorrow's doctors with the basic knowledge, confidence and skills to promote physical activity and follow numerous clinical guidelines that support physical activity promotion.

La Actividad Física en El Currículo Universitario Español De Los Grados De Medicina Y Ciencias De La Actividad Física Y Del Deporte Como Recurso en La Prevención Y Tratamiento De Las Enfermedades Crónicas

“…En Estados Unidos, se ha evidenciado que tan solo entre el 6% (25) y el 13% del currículo de los médicos aborda contenidos relacionados con dicho aspecto (27). Similares resultados se constatan en Reino Unido (22,28) y Venezuela (29). Los datos revisados por nosotros para España muestran una situación peor (3,62%).…”

Prevention and Management of Non-Communicable Disease: The IOC Consensus Statement, Lausanne 2013

“…For example, we don't always know how to translate precise, well-established guidelines and recommendations into an individual's daily routine [63]. Nor do we educate healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills to deliver well-established and evidence based interventions to our patients [64]. From a scientific, analytical perspective we know the doseresponse relationship of regular exercise with regard to frequency, duration and intensity [65].…”

“…Currently, there is no single group of health care professionals that possess the full spectrum of knowledge and skills required for clinical work in disease prevention [64,110]. Various components are fragmented between physicians, fitness experts, physical therapy, nursing, exercise physiologists (kinesiologists) and other professions [2].…”

“…This will further generate momentum for a renewed commitment to prevention even within traditional health care stakeholders. The under-representation of comprehensive lifestyle intervention, including physical activity in the curricula of medicine [113] and other health professions [64] will be addressed more efficiently, when sound and reasonable alternatives like an IOC accredited prevention program are ready at hand.…”

Exercise prescription: what does it mean for primary care?

“…This is something that is already changing as the field of sport and exercise medicine grows and is introduced into medical school curricula across the UK. 8 …”