How prepared are GP Trainees to deliver physical activity advice to patients?

Problem

It is known that physical activity (PA) has many health benefits; however there is a ‘global pandemic’ of inactivity. Primary care has been recognised as a suitable setting for lifestyle counselling, with GPs being seen as a respected and credible source of health-related advice. Previous research shows that doctors and medical students are not familiar with PA guidelines, nor do they feel confident delivering PA advice. Little is known, however, about GP Trainees’ attitudes to PA counselling. GP Trainees are an important group as they are the GPs of the future, who need to be equipped to tackle the increasing burden resulting from inactivity. The aim of the study is to assess GP Trainees’ preparedness to deliver health promotion advice to their patients on physical activity, and to assess the level of teaching they receive as part of their training programme.

Approach

A mixed methods study was conducted across 3 UK GP deaneries. GP Trainees received a questionnaire, which assessed their knowledge, confidence and training about PA. In one deanery, twenty-eight trainees participated in three focus groups. Questionnaire data was analysed by descriptive statistics. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed thematically.

Findings

Questionnaire data revealed a lack of awareness of key PA guidelines and assessment tools: 28% were unaware of the Chief Medical Officers’ PA recommendations and 63% reported having never heard of the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ). Teaching about PA was found to be lacking, with only 35% reporting receiving teaching about how to counsel patients about PA. Themes identified from the focus group data related to trainees’ perceptions of patients and self, capability to deliver PA advice, and the environment in which to do so. Trainees do not feel empowered to offer PA advice, feeling hindered by time constraints, patient attitude and uncertainty about their role and what to advise.

Consequences

GP trainees are not well prepared to counsel patients on PA. They lack awareness of key guidelines and documents, confidence delivering advice, and have not received adequate training. If the growing problem of physical inactivity is to be tackled, then trainees need to be better prepared to help their patients make meaningful lifestyle changes. Results of this study could be used to inform the GP curriculum.