Influences on the use of digital tools in primary care to deliver physical activity advice

Abstract

Abstract Background Increasing physical activity is a public health priority. The unique and critical role of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in primary care to help address physical inactivity is explicitly identified by various national physical activity (PA) frameworks. Yet, there may be various obstacles to the delivery of PA advice, such as lack of time, lack of confidence and lack of knowledge of where to refer people for further support. Digital technology provides new opportunities and has the potential to facilitate PA advice. However, it is unknown if and how digital tools are used within the context of primary care. The aim of the study was to understand the use of digital tools to support primary care consultations. Methods Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with HCPs in primary care. Data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify influences on the use of digital tools. Next, the themes were categorised using the COM-B model of behaviour to identify barriers and/or enablers to using digital tools to support the delivery of PA advice. Results The most prominent barriers and enablers related to included having the digital skills to use the systems, understanding of the PA assessment and advice, and the ability to tailor the tool to the HCPs needs. The opportunity factors included the limited digital resources available, organisational culture, and environmental stressors. The motivational influences included the level of familiarity with the tool, the confidence to use it, beliefs about a tool's usefulness, and professional identity. Conclusions A variety of influences were identified on the use of digital tools to support primary care consultations to deliver PA advice. These findings provide a foundation to design a system that addresses the barriers and leverages the facilitators to the efficient use of digital tools that support PA advice provision within the primary care context. Key messages There are various influences on the use of digital tools to support the provision of PA advice within primary care consultations, including skills, environmental and social factors, and motivation. The use of behaviour change theory allows us to systematically identify what barriers need to be addressed to assist HCPs in providing PA advice using efficient and flexible digital support tools.