Physical Activity Promotion: A Systematic Review of The Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is a cost-effective and non-pharmacological foundation for the prevention and management of chronic and complex diseases. Healthcare professionals could be viable conduits for PA promotion. However, the evidence regarding the effectiveness and benefits of the current forms of PA promotion are inconclusive. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions on key determinants impact on the optimum promotion of PA were explored in this review. Thirty-four (34) studies were identified after systematically searching seven databases for peer-reviewed articles published within the last decade. PA advice or counselling was the most recorded form of PA promotion, limited counselling time was the most reported obstacle while providing incentives was viewed as a key facilitator. There is widespread consensus among healthcare professionals (HCPs) on some aspects of PA promotion. Utilisation of all PA promotional pathways to their full potential could be an essential turning point towards the optimal success of PA promotional goals. Hence, strategies are required to broaden chronic disease treatment methods to include preventive and integrative PA promotion approaches particularly, between frontline HCPs (e.g., GPs) and PA specialists (e.g., EPs). Future studies could explore the functionality of GP to EP referral pathways to determining what currently works and areas requiring further development.

Training Healthcare Professionals on How to Promote Physical Activity in the UK: A Scoping Review of Current Trends and Future Opportunities

“…We need to expand training beyond just HCPs if we are to reduce physical inactivity because it would be dangerous to ‘put all our eggs in one basket’—especially in light of the increasing demands placed on HCPs, including during and after global pandemics. Recent literature [ 57 , 58 ] and stakeholders confirmed such concerns: ‘ We hear a lot from HCPs: it should not just be us trained in this’. We also need to expand PA promotion into other workforces because there could be untapped credible, trustworthy, and wide-reaching PA messengers to help ‘make every contact count’.…”

The ‘PRICE’ of Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS): Stakeholders’ Recommendations for Delivering Quality Care to Patients

“…Sustained information sharing culture among HCPs could help frontline HCPs such as GPs, to be up to date with PA and PARS information and provide motivation to recommend it to their clients when needed. Therefore, mass promotion of PARS initiatives via primary healthcare interventions supported with printed materials such as pamphlets and diverse media publicity platforms, could enhance the effectiveness of the PARS programme and provide further insights into the roles, benefits, and availability of EP services [37]. Participants also proposed nominating designated PA and PARS specialist in healthcare centres to support GPs, in promoting and coordinating quality care for PARS users.…”

“…A purposive sampling strategy (non-random identification and selection of suitable study participants) was used to recruit the participants for this study. This technique included: (1) identification of participants who were a representative sample of the population via a pre-interview survey [36,37]; (2) purposively selecting and contacting respondents who could provide valuable information and represent heterogeneity in the population; and (3) acknowledgment of consent and commitment by participants to take part in the interview.…”

“…The telephone was used because of its flexibility and access to respondents across the country [39]. Interview questions (10 semi-structured questions) were developed based on findings from previous PARS studies [36,37] and pilot tested on eight participants (two GPs and three each of EPs and patients) by the primary researcher (FAA) and reviewed by BSMA to test the usability and credibility of the interview questions. In addition, the findings from the pilot interviews were used to refine the final interview questions.…”

The Study on Spatial Elements of Health-Supportive Environment in Residential Streets Promoting Residents’ Walking Trips

“…Many studies have shown that physical inactivity (PI) has a substantial influence on obesity, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, among others. It has become the most serious challenge of global public health in the 21st century [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. The question of how to scientifically and reasonably intervene and improve the physical activity of residents is particularly important for improving the physical health of the general population; it is also of particular importance for the “Healthy China” (HC) strategy [ 8 , 9 ].…”