The Moving Healthcare Professionals Programme.

BACKGROUND

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are estimated to see nearly 500 000 patients during their career. Evidence demonstrates that one in four patients would be more active if advised by their GP. However, there is a lack of engagement between HCPs and patients regarding the benefits of physical activity (PA). PA is not discussed with 80% of patients, with 75% of GPs feeling they lack knowledge to advise their patients.

AIM

Moving Healthcare Professionals Programme (MHPP) aims include increasing awareness and skills in PA for prevention and management of ill health; changing clinical practice in the promotion of activity; and evaluating impact to identify 'what works'.

METHOD

GPs were recruited as Physical Activity Clinical Champions (PACCs) to deliver peer-to-peer training to HCPs nationally. Additionally, relationships were developed with undergraduate medical schools to embed PA into curriculum. A PA advice pad was developed as a local GP pilot, while the 'Moving Medicine' online resource was created.

RESULTS

Over 22 000 HCPs were trained to date, with evaluation demonstrating an increase in knowledge, skills and confidence, and over 18 000 completions of our eLearning modules. PA coverage was expanded across the undergraduate curriculum at multiple medical schools, while feedback on the e-advice pad pilot has informed a further digital pilot. Additionally, there were >3000 monthly users of 'Moving Medicine'.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrated scope for significant improvements in HCP engagement in multiple clinical settings. Working with GPs has proved crucial to this success across various workstreams, with their participation a continued focus moving into Phase 2.