[Barriers and facilitators of the EfiKroniK exercise program for people with chronic diseases in Primary Care]

Explore patients' perceptions during a supervised exercise program and detect the barriers and facilitators that influence exercise adherence after the supervision period.

A qualitative observational study with three focus groups as the main data collection technique was conducted. SITE: Primary Health centers of Bizkaia.

Out of the 175 randomized patients in the hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial, a sample of 19 patients from the intervention group were included in the qualitative study (12 advanced-stage onco-haematological patients and seven with severe mental disorders).

Content analysis of the generated transcripts was performed by combining a deductive approach, based on the domains of the PRACTIS theoretical framework, and an inductive one, based on the postulates of the Grounded Theory.

The data analysis showed that participants were satisfied with the EfiKroniK program and that the main identified benefits were discovery of the benefits of physical exercise, the psychological and emotional management of the disease, the benefits from peer communication and emotional support, and the break from routine of their illness. Participants decreased the levels of physical exercise at the end of the supervision6 due to the confluence of several barriers.

A supervised exercise program carried out in Primary Care contributed to the improvement of the quality of life as well as the emotional and social well-being of patients with advanced-stage diseases. Our study identified potential barriers and facilitators associated with exercise participation and its continuity, however, it is necessary to encourage inter-sectoral coordination within the socio-health system to promote integrated and continuous care for chronic patients.