Australian patients' perception of the efficacy of the physical activity referral scheme (PARS)

Abstract

Background: Optimum physical activity (PA) interventions could be delivered via physical activity referral schemes (PARS) if utilised adequately. However, the evidence supporting PARS effectiveness is weak due to low uptake and non-adherence to interventions.

Objective: Patients' experiences of PARS were explored to obtain in-depth insight into their perceived quality of care and practical ways to optimise the programme's effectiveness.

Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was employed to probe cross-sectional quantitative survey data (n = 111) on patients' knowledge and beliefs about PA and PARS and qualitative interview data (n = 15) on their experiences of PARS. Informed by Donabedian framework of healthcare quality assessment, quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated to identify practical ways to enhance PARS effectiveness.

Results: Participants displayed good PA knowledge, had positive beliefs and perceived PARS to be useful. Nonetheless, bottlenecks in the structure and process of PARS impact on patient health outcomes and hinder the programme's uptake.

Conclusion: Exploring other referral mechanisms into PARS such as self or nurse-initiated referrals could improve the programme's visibility and effectiveness.

Practice implications: Improved support, enhanced visibility of EPs, ongoing interactions between GPs and EPs and education about referral pathways would foster improved uptake, adherence and health outcomes for patients.

Keywords: Mixed methods; Patients’ perception; Physical activity; Physical inactivity; Referral schemes.