What should all health professionals know about movement behaviour change? An international Delphi-based consensus...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Professions Education
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends integrating physical activity promotion into healthcare.
• A consensus gap exists regarding the necessary competencies for health professionals in supporting movement behavior change.
• Effective support requires defined knowledge, skills, and attributes for health professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish essential competencies for all health professionals supporting individuals in changing movement behaviors.
• To achieve consensus on key attributes needed for effective physical activity and sedentary behavior interventions.
• To inform curriculum development and professional practice guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase Delphi process involving experts in physical activity and sedentary behavior.
• Participants reported and rated proposed knowledge, skills, and attributes for health professionals.
• Consensus was defined as at least 80% group agreement over three rounds.

Main Results:

• Consensus was reached on 11 core competencies for health professionals across 11 countries.
• Competencies encompass recognizing and owning support, fostering a positive culture, and using person-centered communication.
• Key areas include understanding health impacts, determinants, barriers, facilitators, and self-influence on behavior change.

Conclusions:

• This consensus provides a foundational set of 11 competencies for health professionals.
• These competencies can drive a culture of advocacy for movement behavior change across health disciplines.
• Standardized competencies will enhance the effectiveness of physical activity promotion in healthcare.