Related Experiment Videos
Changing physician practice of physical activity counseling
E Eckstrom1, D H Hickam, D S Lessler
1VA Medical Center and Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon 97210, USA.
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|June 3, 1999
Summary
Physician training improved self-efficacy for physical activity counseling. However, this educational intervention did not significantly increase patient physical activity levels, suggesting a need for alternative strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Public Health
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Improving patient physical activity is crucial for chronic disease management.
- Physician counseling is a key strategy, but effectiveness varies.
- Barriers exist for both physicians and patients in promoting exercise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an educational intervention's impact on resident physicians' self-efficacy and counseling behaviors for physical activity.
- To determine if this intervention increases patients' reported physical activity levels.
Main Methods:
- Prospective controlled trial involving 48 internal medicine residents.
- Intervention group received two workshops on physical activity counseling; control group did not.
- Physician self-efficacy and counseling frequency assessed pre- and post-intervention.
- Patient physical activity levels surveyed pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Intervention physicians reported significantly higher self-efficacy and counseling frequency.
- No significant differences were observed in patient physical activity levels between groups.
- Physician training improved counseling confidence but not patient outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Educational interventions can enhance physician self-efficacy in physical activity counseling.
- Current interventions may be insufficient to increase patient physical activity levels.
- Addressing patient barriers is essential for improving exercise adherence in chronically ill outpatients.