SELF-PERCEPTION OF PRIMARY HEALTH-CARE STAFF ABOUT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON
PRESCRIPTION: A QUALITATIVE SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEW
Abstract
Rationale, Aims, and Objectives: Physical inactivity and sedentary
levels represent one of the major threats to public health. Physical
activity on prescription (PAP) is an emerging preventive and treatment
resource for chronic diseases at Health-care Settings. This study aimed
to analyze the self-perception at primary health-care (PHC) nurses and
general practitioners (GPs) toward PAP implementation in PHC centers.
Methods: Two semi-structured group interviews were performed separately,
with five GPs and nurses working in the PHC system in the region of
Madrid (Spain). An expert psychologist guided each semi-structured
session. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and consensually
analyzed using a mixed content analysis. Results: Half of the PHC staff
considered themselves physically active and were convinced that
physically active staff behavior could facilitate PAP with patients.
Both GPs and nurses showed a lack of knowledge of exercise prescription
but were interested in PAP and motivational training courses, as well as
leadership or to collaborate under a multidisciplinary or
interdisciplinary PAP approach. Some of the most relevant self-perceived
PAP barriers were a confident method to measure sedentary and physical
activity levels. Besides lack of staff awareness, time of consultation,
and improving local community relationships and PAP policies strategies.
Conclusions: There are some common self-perceptions, barriers, and
facilitators among PHC nurses and GPs for PAP implementation. Following
a socio-ecologic approach, this organizational data provides further
insight to design a future cost-effective policy strategy to improve
patient health and health-care system sustainability.