Prescription of physical activity: knowledge and needs among general practitioners of Ile-de-France

Abstract

Abstract Background Physical inactivity is the fourth leading cause of death in the world. The concept of medical prescription of physical activity (PA) adapted now appears in a law, which specifies the central role of the family physician. The needs of the general practitioners (GP) about prescription of PA have not been studied. Aim To assess the knowledge and needs of GPs regarding the medical prescription of PA. Methods This is a transversal observational epidemiological study of GPs working in the departments of Hauts-de-Seine (92) and Val-de-Marne (94) near Paris. A questionnaire was sent by mail or email. Results One hundred and fifty-eight physicians were included. A total of 72.2% of GPs rated their knowledge in PA as average to very poor. The initial training in PA is estimated as unsatisfactory by 84.2% of GPs. A total of 81.6% haven't done a postgraduate additional training in PA. A specific skill in sports medicine, the individual practice of PA as well as the speaking about PA in more than 50% of consultations are significantly associated with a feeling of competence in PA prescription (P < 0.01). Among the measures favoring the prescription of PA, GPs told that they need information brochures to give to the patient (60.8%), a website of help to the prescription of PA which can be used in consultation (60.1%), or the organization of a specific training on the medical prescription of AP (50.6%). Conclusions The lack of training seems to be the major obstacle to the generalization of prescription of PA. The organization of training or the creation of specific tools for the attending physician seems to be promising solutions. Key messages The lack of training seems to be the major obstacle to the generalization of prescription of PA. Organization of training or the creation of specific tools for the attending physician seems to be promising solutions.