Improving Support for PA promotion in General Practice (ISPA-GP)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development And Refinement Of A Tool Kit For Physical Activity Promotion In General Practice
IRAS ID
349304
Contact name
Rosina Cross
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
Background: Physical activity (PA) has many physical and psychological health benefits, playing a key role in preventing and managing chronic diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes. Yet, the number of people meeting PA recommendations is low. Only 1 in 3 UK adults are doing enough PA.
A recent government publication “Physical activity: applying All Our Health” highlights the importance of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in promoting PA in Primary Care settings. Despite this, interventions to promote PA are poorly implemented due to barriers such as insufficient time, limited knowledge, lack of local PA options, and insufficient referral pathways.
In 2019, The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) introduced the Active Practice Charter (APC) initiative to increase staff and patient PA levels. However, a recent small-scale evaluation found more support is needed, to better address barriers to effective PA promotion experienced by staff and patients. This proposed fellowship aims to improve PA promotion provision in general practice settings in England.Aim: The research aims to co-develop a package of resources (a ‘toolkit’) and training to address the issues outlined above. To help general practice staff to support patients (and staff) to be more active.
Methods: The programme of research within this fellowship will have three stages;
Stage 1: I will interview general practice staff and patients to understand their experience, views, and needs in terms of support for PA promotion.
Stage 2: Using the findings from Stage 1, I will work with stakeholder groups to develop a prototype PA toolkit.
Impact: 1) Development of a PA toolkit for general practice staff to promote PA ready for testing in general practice in England.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/PR/0093
Date of REC Opinion
19 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion