Facilitators and challenges in delivering a peer-support physical activity intervention for older adults: a qualitative study with multiple stakeholders

Anthony Crozier,Paula M Watson,Benjamin J R Buckley,Lorna Porcellato

doi:10.1186/s12889-020-09990-x

Abstract

BackgroundInvolving peer volunteers in intervention delivery can provide social support and improve adherence. Whilst such interventions have the potential to reduce physical activity (PA) intervention costs, little is known about the process of delivering them in practice. This qualitative study explored the facilitators and challenges of delivering a peer-support PA intervention for older adults, with a view to making recommendations for the delivery of future interventions.MethodsData were collected via (7) semi-structured interviews and a focus group with stakeholders involved in a peer-support PA intervention for older adults in a large city in the North-West of England. Participants included local authority staff (n = 3), peer volunteers (n = 2) and service users (n = 7). Audio data were transcribed verbatim and thematically coded to identify perceived facilitators and challenges.ResultsFacilitators to delivery included social interaction, community referral pathways, suitable facilities, peer volunteers and high-quality instructors. Challenges surrounded inconsistent practice, staff capacity, safety and accountability, and awareness raising.ConclusionsPeer volunteers can provide an additional support mechanism alongside qualified instructors for increasing social interaction within PA interventions. For optimal intervention delivery, consideration needs to be given to equipment and space, safety and accountability and consistency of practice.

Highlights

Involving peer volunteers in intervention delivery can provide social support and improve adherence
Crozier et al BMC Public Health (2020) 20:1904 as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and premature death [6, 7]. These figures worsen with age, with around 28% of 55–64-year olds, 31% of 65–74-year olds and 54% of 75+ year olds classified as inactive [5]
Interview and focus group data were combined to provide a multi-stakeholder insight into the facilitators and challenges identified in delivering peer-support interventions

Summary

Introduction

Involving peer volunteers in intervention delivery can provide social support and improve adherence Whilst such interventions have the potential to reduce physical activity (PA) intervention costs, little is known about the process of delivering them in practice. This qualitative study explored the facilitators and challenges of delivering a peer-support PA intervention for older adults, with a view to making recommendations for the delivery of future interventions. Crozier et al BMC Public Health (2020) 20:1904 as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and premature death [6, 7] These figures worsen with age, with around 28% of 55–64-year olds, 31% of 65–74-year olds and 54% of 75+ year olds classified as inactive [5]. PA in older adults has extensive physical (e.g. protective effect on functional decline [10]), mental (e.g. reduced depression and increased self-efficacy [11]) and social benefits (e.g. creation of new social networks and reduced loneliness [12])

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Results

Conclusion