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Research

Physical activity promotion by GPs: a cross-sectional survey in England

Anna Lowe, Anna Myers, Helen Quirk, Jamie Blackshaw, Sabrina Palanee and Rob Copeland
BJGP Open 2022; 6 (3): BJGPO.2021.0227. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0227
Anna Lowe
1 Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
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  • For correspondence: a.lowe{at}shu.ac.uk
Anna Myers
2 Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
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Helen Quirk
3 School of Health and Related Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Jamie Blackshaw
4 Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, London, UK
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Sabrina Palanee
5 King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Rob Copeland
1 Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
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Article Figures & Data

Figures

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  • Perceived importance of physical activity (PA) for the prevention and management of health conditions
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    Figure 1. Perceived importance of physical activity (PA) for the prevention and management of health conditions
  • Familiarity with the Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidance
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    Figure 2. Familiarity with the Chief Medical Officers' physical activity guidance
  • GPs’ confidence to discuss physical activity with their patients
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    Figure 3. GPs’ confidence to discuss physical activity with their patients

Tables

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    Table 1. Demographic breakdown of sample (N = 839)
    Categoryn%
    SexMale45053.6
    Female38045.3
    Other20.2
    Prefer not to say70.8
    Age, years≤35374.4
    36–4535442.2
    46–5527933.3
    ≥5616920.1
    RoleGP partner or principal43852.2
    Salaried GP25830.8
    Locum GP14216.9
    GP registrar10.1
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    Table 2. Overview of codes from content analysis of open-text answers
    Codes: what would help GPs to have more, or better quality physical activity conversations within clinical practice?Frequency code was reported, nExample responses
    More consultation time98 'Seriously, we have no time to do any of this! We need time to actually do our medical jobs. If people really need to be advised how to exercise, why does that responsibility (like everything else!!!) fall to GPs?!!!' (GP495)
    Referrals — other or better resources available and improved links to local services22 'The process for referral to local providers and the funding or discounting of these keeps changing. Consistent easy pathways would help.' (GP375)
    Not part of GP job role — others are better suited12 'I think this is the job of public health campaigns.' GP472)'In fact I feel that HCA [healthcare assistants] would be better place[d] to do that during chronic disease review.' (GP110)'No time really, there should be a physical activity advocate to refer to.' (GP575)
    COVID or lockdown5 'A lot more time in consultations would help. We are struggling with the normal workload and the COVID pandemic plus the massive vaccination programme is making discussions about exercise a low priority.' (GP280)
    Financial; incentive or funding to do it5 'Time and resources and payment for time at work to do this.' (GP832)'The process for referral to local providers and the funding or discounting of these keeps changing. Consistent easy pathways would help.' (GP375)
    More GPs3 'About 10 000 more GPs.' (GP492)'other staff to do it' (GP285)
    Reduced workload3 'Increased consultation time.Reduced workload.' (GP400)'More time currently just coping with normal workload.' (GP783)
    Better patient attitudes and/or willingness towards exercise3 'More time in consultation and patient willingness.' (GP110) 'More time and better attitudes towards exercise.' (GP156)
    Wider cultural change needed3 'Widespread cultural and societal changes. GP input is a drop in the ocean.' (GP621)
    Funding for patients1 'Bursaries or funded opportunities for patients.' (GP788)
    Change in GP model1 'Complete change in GP model.' (GP782)
    More time for my own health1 'More time with patients and more time for my own health.' (GP227)
    GP training1 'Motivational interview training I did was helpful (not the one specified but one arranged at CCG level).' (GP264)
    • CCG = clinical commissioning group.

Supplementary Data

  • Lowe_BJGPO.2021.0227_Supp.pdf -

    Supplementary material is not copyedited or typeset, and is published as supplied by the author(s). The author(s) retain(s) responsibility for its accuracy.

  • Lowe_BJGPO.2021.0227_Supp.pdf -

    Supplementary material is not copyedited or typeset, and is published as supplied by the author(s). The author(s) retain(s) responsibility for its accuracy.

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Physical activity promotion by GPs: a cross-sectional survey in England
Anna Lowe, Anna Myers, Helen Quirk, Jamie Blackshaw, Sabrina Palanee, Rob Copeland
BJGP Open 2022; 6 (3): BJGPO.2021.0227. DOI: 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0227

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Physical activity promotion by GPs: a cross-sectional survey in England
Anna Lowe, Anna Myers, Helen Quirk, Jamie Blackshaw, Sabrina Palanee, Rob Copeland
BJGP Open 2022; 6 (3): BJGPO.2021.0227. DOI: 10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0227
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Keywords

  • exercise
  • general practice
  • General practitioners
  • primary health care
  • public health

More in this TOC Section

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  • Delivering a primary care intervention to reduce frailty and improve resilience in people experiencing homelessness: a pilot feasibility study
  • Carer involvement in GP–patient consultations and translatability to virtual care: a multi-methods study
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