Feasibility of scaling-up an evidence-based physical activity behaviour change intervention into routine ambulatory hospital care: a retrospective implementation evaluation using the RE-AIM framework.

BACKGROUND

Scaling up evidence-based interventions to improve physical activity (PA) is important for enhancing health outcomes. The Healthy4U (H4U) program, initially successful in improving PA and health outcomes among ambulatory hospital patients, was expanded from one regional hospital to five rural hospitals. This study retrospectively examines the feasibility of implementing H4U at Scale (H4U-AS) over 12 months.

METHODS

A feasibility implementation evaluation was conducted retrospectively using the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework. The following variables were assessed within each RE-AIM domain: Reach: Number of program participants.

EFFECTIVENESS

Measured changes in PA (Metabolic Equivalent of Task minutes (MET-mins/week)), sedentary behaviour (hours/day spent seated), fruit and vegetable intake (serves/day), and nicotine dependence score (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND)) using paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Adoption: Type of setting, program integration, and behaviour change training uptake.

IMPLEMENTATION

Participant and hospital recruitment adherence. Maintenance: Continuation of the program.

RESULTS

Reach: In total, 37 participants were recruited during the 6-month recruitment period; pre- and post-data were available for 33.

EFFECTIVENESS

PA increased from a median of 460 MET-mins/week to 840 (p < 0.001). Sedentary behaviour decreased from 8.0 h/day to 7.0 (p < 0.001). Vegetable intake increased from 3.0 serves/day to 3.5 (p = 0.001). Fruit intake did not change significantly (p = 0.228). Nicotine dependence decreased non-significantly from 5.0 to 4.5 (p = 0.08). Adoption: The program was successfully implemented in five rural hospitals; feedback from hospital representatives indicated that recruitment procedures were integrated into existing hospital workflows. To support recruitment, processes were adapted to include mailing out invites to people on elective surgery wait lists.

IMPLEMENTATION

86% of participants completed the minimum 4 of 6 available sessions, and all hospitals recruited during the program period. Maintenance: Funding for the project was not available beyond the 12-month period. As a result, recruitment into the program was ceased.

CONCLUSION

H4U-AS suggests that implementing an evidence-based PA intervention from one regional hospital to five rural hospitals may be feasible. Participants improved PA and dietary behaviours. However, limited participant recruitment during the short recruitment period, and funding cessation, impacted the extent to which the program could be offered and evaluated at scale.