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Feasibility and acceptability of a physical activity promotion programme in general practice
Esther M F van Sluijs1, Mireille N M van Poppel, Wim A B Stalman
1Department of General Practice and Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Family Practice
|July 14, 2004
Summary
The Promoting Activity in Community Environments (PACE) program is feasible and acceptable for Dutch general practices. Adaptations will improve future implementation of this physical activity promotion initiative.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Public Health
- Health Promotion
Background:
- Physical activity promotion is recommended in general practice but faces implementation challenges.
- Barriers to integrating physical activity programs into routine care need to be addressed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a process evaluation of the physical activity promotion program in general practice (PACE).
- To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the PACE program through provider and assistant interviews.
Main Methods:
- Telephone-administered, semi-structured interviews were conducted with general practitioners and practice assistants.
- Interviews focused on program impressions, training, materials, counseling, implementation, and future use.
Main Results:
- The PACE program received a positive overall impression from providers.
- Most providers found the training and materials helpful, though some noted issues with patient forms.
- Patient overestimation of physical activity levels was a key barrier to counseling; 60% of providers intended to use PACE in the future.
Conclusions:
- The PACE program is acceptable and feasible for implementation in Dutch general practices.
- Planned adaptations aim to facilitate wider-scale adoption of PACE.