Integrating Physical Activity in Primary Care Practice.

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Medicine
• Sports Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Most US adults do not meet physical activity recommendations.
• Socioecological factors influence physical activity levels across diverse populations.
• The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act encourages physical activity counseling by primary care physicians (PCPs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss barriers faced by PCPs in delivering physical activity counseling.
• To present evidence-based strategies for PCPs to overcome counseling barriers.
• To outline practical steps for PCPs to counsel patients on physical activity, leveraging policy and team support.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative symposium between the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM) and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) in 2014.
• Review of socioecological factors influencing physical activity.
• Development of a model for physical activity counseling in primary care.

Main Results:

• PCPs encounter numerous barriers to physical activity counseling, including individual patient factors, environmental constraints (e.g., lack of safe spaces), policy issues (e.g., reimbursement), and organizational challenges (e.g., EMR integration, worksite norms).
• Evidence-based strategies and techniques are proposed to help PCPs address these identified barriers.
• Practical steps are suggested for PCPs to integrate physical activity counseling into practice, utilizing support from policy, primary care teams, and external networks.

Conclusions:

• Addressing socioecological barriers is crucial for effective physical activity counseling by PCPs.
• A multi-level approach involving policy, primary care teams, and support networks can enhance PCP's ability to counsel patients on physical activity.
• Implementing this model can help increase physical activity levels among US adults.