1. Implementing Individually Tailored Prescription of Physical Activity in Routine Clinical Care: A Process Evaluation of the Physicians Implement Exercise = Medicine Project.
- Author
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Bouma, Adrie J., Nauta, Joske, van Nassau, Femke, Krops, Leonie A., van den Akker-Scheek, Inge, Diercks, Ron L., de Groot, Vincent, van der Leeden, Marike, Leutscher, Hans, Stevens, Martin, van Twillert, Sacha, Zwerver, Hans, van der Woude, Lucas H.V., van Mechelen, Willem, Verhagen, Evert A.L.M., van Keeken, Helco G., van der Ploeg, Hidde P., and Dekker, Rienk
- Subjects
ELECTRONIC health records ,ACADEMIC medical centers ,PHYSICAL activity ,CLINICAL medicine ,PHYSICIANS - Abstract
Background: Although the prescription of physical activity in clinical care has been advocated worldwide, in the Netherlands, "Exercise is Medicine" (E = M) is not yet routinely implemented in clinical care. Methods: A set of implementation strategies was pilot implemented to test its feasibility for use in routine care by clinicians in 2 departments of a university medical center. An extensive learning process evaluation was performed, using structured mixed methods methodology, in accordance with the Reach, Effect, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework. Results: From 5 implementation strategies employed (education, E = M tool embedded in the electronic medical records, lifestyle coach situated within the department, overviews of referral options, and project support), the presence of adequate project support was a strong facilitator of the implementation of E = M. Also, the presence of the lifestyle coach within the department seemed essential for referral rate. Although clinicians appreciated the E = M tool, barriers hampered its use in practice. Conclusions: Specific implementation strategies, tailored to the setting, are effective in facilitating the implementation of E = M with specific regard to education for clinicians on E = M, deployment of a lifestyle coach within a department, and project coordination. Care providers do see a future for lifestyle coaches who are structurally embedded in the hospital, to whom they can easily refer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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