Feasibility and acceptability of general practitioners using sit–stand desks: a feasibility trial

<h4><b>Objectives</b></h4><p dir="ltr">The primary aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of general practitioners (GPs) using sit–stand desks to facilitate standing during consultations. A further aim was to examine the views of patients about GPs standing for their consultations. <h4><b>Design</b></h4><p dir="ltr">A pre–post single-group experimental trial design. <h4><b>Setting</b></h4><p dir="ltr">General practices in England, UK. <h4><b>Participants</b></h4><p dir="ltr">42 GPs (working a minimum of five clinical sessions per week) and 301 patients (aged ≥18 years). <h4><b>Interventions</b></h4><p dir="ltr">The intervention consisted of each GP having a sit–stand desk (Opløft Sit-Stand Platform) installed in their consultation room for 4 working weeks. Sit–stand desks allow users to switch, in a few seconds, between a sitting and standing position and vice versa, by adjusting the height of the desk. <h4><b>Main outcome measures</b></h4><p dir="ltr">To test feasibility and acceptability, GPs reported their views about using sit–stand desks at work at baseline and follow-up. Sitting time and physical activity were also measured via accelerometer at baseline and follow-up. Patients who attended a consultation where their GP was standing were asked to complete an exit questionnaire about the perceived impact on the consultation. <h4><b>Results</b></h4><p dir="ltr">Most GPs reported using their sit–stand desk daily (n=28, 75.7%). 16 GPs (44.4%) used their sit–stand desk during face-to-face consultations every day. Most GPs and patients did not view that GPs standing during face-to-face consultations impacted the doctor–patient relationship (GPs; 73.5%, patients; 83.7%). GPs’ sitting time during work was 121 min per day lower (95% CI: −165 to −77.58) at follow-up compared with baseline. <h4><b>Conclusions</b></h4><p dir="ltr">Use of sit–stand desks is acceptable within general practice and may reduce sitting time in GPs. This may benefit GPs and help reduce sitting time in patients. <p dir="ltr"><b>Trial registration number: </b>ISRCTN76982860.