Implementation of a CEP-led service in primary care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Implementation of a clinical exercise physiologist-led physical activity and exercise service for people living with long term conditions in a UK Primary Care Network
IRAS ID
370915
Contact name
Matthew Cocks
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Physical inactivity is a contributing factor in the development of various long-term conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, heart disease) that result in a diminished quality of life and reduced life expectancy. In the UK, physical inactivity is estimated to cost £7.4 billion annually and be attributable to one in six deaths. Primary care settings are often best placed to improve population levels of physical activity, as an average patient visits a general practitioner at least five times a year, with half of these contacts related to the management of long-term conditions. One possibility of increasing PA amongst those with long term conditions may be referrals to specialised individuals such as Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEPs). CEPs are experienced health professionals with a sound understanding of the acute
and chronic responses to exercise.This study will evaluate the implementation of a CEP-led service for people living with long term conditions within a UK primary care network, assessing its feasibility within routine care pathways and its effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. A nested process evaluation will provide contextual insight into how the service is delivered and experienced, informing ongoing refinement.
This multi-centre implementation trial will collect data from patients enrolled in the service between April 2026 and March 2029. Data sources will include anonymised clinical data extracted from patient records held by Central Liverpool Primary Care Network (CLPCN), alongside questionnaire and interview data collected from consenting patients.
In line with Medical Research Council guidance on process evaluation and the RE-AIM implementation framework, the study will assess Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NW/0117
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2026
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion