Health Care Professionals’ Promotion of Exercise Referral Schemes in New South Wales

ABSTRACT Background Exercise referral schemes (ERSs) can increase physical activity participation and improve health outcomes associated with chronic disease. The success of these programs relies heavily on the active involvement of health care professionals to make referrals. In this study, we explore the barriers and facilitators that influence health care professionals’ promotion of physical activity and ERSs in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods Participants were recruited through Live Life Get Active, an existing, free ERS and health promotion charity. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 8 health care professionals. Data were analyzed using deductive and exploratory thematic analysis. Results Participants described their attitudes toward physical activity promotion via ERSs and barriers and facilitators to recommending physical activity programs. All participants described the importance of tailoring physical activity recommendations to their patients’ health needs, lifestyles, and preferences. While participants understood the value of ERSs, they faced consultation time constraints, limited awareness of available programs, and the need to prioritize alternative treatments for health conditions. However, participants reported their own and patients’ positive experiences with physical activity, good physical activity literacy, and a clear understanding of the potential advantages for patients were catalysts for referrals. A streamlined referral process to free programs with social components was preferred. Conclusion Identified barriers to health care professionals promoting ERSs highlight the need for increased knowledge of available ERSs and physical activity programs and improved referral pathways. The findings support a focus on increasing professionals’ knowledge about exercise and reducing the gap between knowledge and action by increasing ease of exercise referral.