Stakeholder perspectives on transferability of a 12-week physical activity and sedentary behaviour intervention for...

Numbers of ethnically diverse older adults are increasing in the UK. These individuals often have complex health problems that are exacerbated by language barriers (ie, limited English proficiency), acculturation experiences and socio-economic level. Further, this diverse group is also the most sedentary and least active subgroup in the wider population which raises major health issues. A number of interventions have been implemented to improve older adults' physical activity and decrease their sedentary behaviour. Nevertheless, there is a lack of research examining how stakeholders' perspectives can inform the transferability of interventions into the real-world particularly for ethnically diverse older adults. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore the perspectives of stakeholders regarding the transferability of a 12-week intervention that aims to increase activity and decrease sedentary behaviour among ethnically diverse sedentary older adults.

A qualitative exploratory study employing reflexive thematic analysis was conducted using purposive sampling and in-depth interviews to recruit a diverse group of stakeholders representing varied professional roles, service delivery and organisational sectors related to older adults' physical activity and well-being. The Population-Intervention-Environment-Transfer Model of Transferability (PIET-T) model served as a theoretical and conceptual framework for assessing the transferability of health interventions. Prior to the interview, the researcher explained the intervention study that was assessed in a prior feasibility study. This helped us identify stakeholder perspectives about potential challenges and practical considerations for transferring the intervention within existing policy and service frameworks. The primary researcher (NAAM) transcribed data from recorded interviews. Using reflexive thematic analysis, themes were generated from the data set and were interpreted using the PIET-T model.

The findings showed that different concepts of the PIET-T model influenced intervention transferability. The findings generated the following key themes: (1) User-centred and organisation supported programmes (Population), (2) intervention appropriateness and adaptations (Intervention), (3) organisational and system context (Environment) and (4) transferability and implementation factors (Transferability). Overall, the PIET-T model addresses key factors within each domain to facilitate the transferability of intervention.

Exploring diverse stakeholder perspectives was crucial for facilitating transferability and ensuring readiness for real-world implementation. Stakeholders suggested key modifications, including translated materials, adjusted duration, flexible digital delivery options and stronger collaboration with local organisations and healthcare systems to improve transferability among ethnically diverse older adults.