Retrospective cohort study of the South Tyneside Exercise Referral Scheme 2009–14: predictors of dropout and barriers to adherence

Gender Differences in Uptake, Adherence and Experiences: A Longitudinal, Mixed-Methods Study of a Physical Activity Referral Scheme in Scotland, UK

“…Studies examining associations between demographics and referral, uptake and adherence have reported equivocal results for PARS. A consistent finding is that males are less likely than females to be referred (33–41% male referral compared to 59–67% female referral) [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Male uptake has also been reported to be lower than female uptake in some studies [ 16 , 17 , 25 ], but others reported no association [ 19 , 26 , 27 ].…”

The Northumberland Exercise Referral Scheme as a Universal Community Weight Management Programme: A Mixed Methods Exploration of Outcomes, Expectations and Experiences across a Social Gradient

“…Between referral point and scheme completion, average age shifted from 49 to 56 years old and the proportion of those classed as retired was substantially higher, similar to previous findings [ 12 ]. Reasons for low retention have been quantitatively explored across a range of referral reasons and studies suggest discrete factors including smoking and presence of moderate-to-high co-morbidities [ 11 ]. However more multifaceted reasons for non-engagement have been highlighted by Morgan et al (2016) [ 19 ] through systematic appraisal of qualitative literature suggesting again that support mechanisms, and individualised, personalised provision, along with scheme setting, may be important in promoting ERS retention.…”

“…Clear understanding of ERS success is further complicated by the myriad health conditions with which individuals can be referred [ 5 ]. In a number of cases, ERS has inadvertently doubled as a weight management referral pathway for inactive overweight and obese patients [ 11 , 12 ]. This is problematic for PA referral pathways, which may not consider the established complex system of obesity and weight loss [ 13 ] in policy guidance, not least since ERS primary and secondary outcomes are usually based around PA change and scheme adherence, rather than weight change parameters [ 11 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

“…In a number of cases, ERS has inadvertently doubled as a weight management referral pathway for inactive overweight and obese patients [ 11 , 12 ]. This is problematic for PA referral pathways, which may not consider the established complex system of obesity and weight loss [ 13 ] in policy guidance, not least since ERS primary and secondary outcomes are usually based around PA change and scheme adherence, rather than weight change parameters [ 11 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Notwithstanding this issue, the impact on ERS effectiveness for other referral conditions has been examined previously with some success indicated for cardiovascular and mental health referrals [ 17 ].…”

Adding web-based behavioural support to exercise referral schemes for inactive adults with chronic health conditions: the e-coachER RCT

“…Predictors of uptake and adherence have been explored; women were more likely than men to begin an ERS, but less likely to adhere to it, and older people were more likely to begin and adhere to an ERS. 15 As an example of a large observational retrospective study, 16 of 6894 participants who had attended an ERS over 6 years, 37.8% (n = 2608) dropped out within 6 weeks and 50.03% (n = 3449) dropped out by the (final) 12th week, and males (p < 0.001) and older people (p < 0.001) were more likely to adhere than females and younger people, respectively. ERSs may help patients to become familiar with medical conditions 17 and target key processes of behaviour change.…”