Abstract
BackgroundPhysical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS), including exercise referral schemes, are a popular approach to health improvement, but understanding of effectiveness is limited by considerable heterogeneity in reporting and evaluation. We aimed to gain consensus for a PARS taxonomy as a comprehensive method for reporting and recording of such schemes.MethodsWe invited 62 experts from PARS policy, research and practice to complete a modified Delphi study. In round one, participants rated the need for a PARS taxonomy, the suitability of three proposed classification levels and commented on proposed elements. In round two, participants rated proposed taxonomy elements on an 11-point Likert scale. Elements scoring a median of ≥7, indicating high agreement, were included in the final taxonomy.ResultsOf those invited, 47 (75.8%) participated in round one, with high retention in round two (n = 43; 91.5%). 42 were UK-based, meaning the resultant taxonomy has been scrutinised for fit to the UK context only. The study gained consensus for a three-level taxonomy: Level 1: PARS classification (primary classification, provider, setting, conditions accepted [have or at risk of], activity type and funding). Level 2: scheme characteristics (staff structure, staff qualifications, behaviour change theories, behaviour change techniques, referral source, referrers, referral process, scheme duration, session frequency, session length, session times, session type, exit routes, action in case of non-attendance, baseline assessment, exit assessment, feedback to referrer and exclusion criteria) and Level 3: participant measures (demographics, monitoring and evaluation, and measures of change).ConclusionUsing a modified Delphi method, this study developed UK-based consensus on a PARS classification taxonomy. We encourage PARS practitioners and public health colleagues, especially those working with similar service models internationally, to test, refine and use this taxonomy to inform policy and practice.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is responsible for 6.4% of global mortality, contributing an estimated $53.8 billion to healthcare costs worldwide in 2013 [1]
We considered that the ability to examine schemes based on Physical Activity Referral Scheme (PARS) Reporting Checklist
Implications for policy and practice We suggest that the Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS) taxonomy is used to classify, record and report PARS delivery
Summary
Physical inactivity is responsible for 6.4% of global mortality, contributing an estimated $53.8 billion to healthcare costs worldwide in 2013 [1]. In the UK, traditionally, a patient with a health condition, or other factors putting them at risk of ill health, would be referred by a healthcare professional if they were sedentary or inactive. This was followed by referral to a PA specialist/service, a personal needs assessment and an opportunity to participate in PA over 10 weeks or longer [5,6,7]. Mechanisms for establishing referrals to fitness professionals do exist, [10] making some aspects of Exercise is Medicine comparable to UK schemes. We aimed to gain consensus for a PARS taxonomy as a comprehensive method for reporting and recording of such schemes
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