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Primary Prevention

Ask

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Would it be OK to spend a minute talking about something many patients find really helpful?

Insight

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As everyday life can affect an individual’s physical activity beliefs and behaviours, focusing on this can be a useful way to introduce the topic.

Using a non-judgemental and respectful way to get a conversation about physical activity started can keep the individual actively engaged in the conversation and decision making.

If done successfully, a 1-minute conversation can plant the seed for successful behaviour change.

Did you know?

The least active individuals stand to gain the most from a small increase in physical activity

Every conversation you have with people about physical activity is important in supporting behavioural change over the life course

Download this great infographic showing the UK Chief Medical Officers’ recommendations (2019) for physical activity in adults and older adults

Real impact

“Why haven’t I received [physical activity on prescription] before? I have been in pain for many years.”

“Exercises shouldn’t be framed as six weeks, but forever. It only reinforces it as a short term thing.”

Explain

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Many people find that moving more can help with healthy ageing as well as improving their general wellbeing. I wonder what you make of that?

Physical activity is a key part of optimising and maintaining health.

The benefits of regular physical activity have been widely published. For adults, achieving 150 minutes a week of at least moderate intensity physical activity helps prevent and manage over 20 chronic conditions including coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, mental health problems and musculoskeletal conditions.

The risk of death from physical activity is extremely low. Large epidemiological cohorts report a death rate of approximately 1 death per 23 million hours of physical activity for men and 1 death per 36.5 million hours for women.

References

Albert CM, Mittleman MA, Chae CU, Lee IM, Hennekens CH, Manson JE. Triggering of sudden death from cardiac causes by vigorous exertion. N Engl J Med. 2000;343(19):1355-1361.

NICE. Physical activity: brief advice for adults in primary care primary care. Natl Inst Heal care Excell Public Heal Guidel 44 2013;PH44.nice.org.uk/guidance/ph44

Whang W, Manson JE, Hu FB, et al. Physical exertion, exercise, and sudden cardiac death in women. JAMA. 2006;295(12):1399-1403.

Insight

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Asking a question such as ‘what do you make of this’ allows some space for people to talk and explore the information rather than asking ‘do you understand?’ which can shut things down. They may already have a good understanding of the benefits of physical activity, so if you’re pressed for time you can ask it like this without patronising them and also offer the opportunity for them to tell you that they know it already.

Did you know?

The least active individuals stand to gain the most from a small increase in physical activity

Every conversation you have with people about physical activity is important in supporting behavioural change over the life course

Download this great infographic showing the UK Chief Medical Officers’ recommendations (2019) for physical activity in adults and older adults

Real impact

“Why haven’t I received [physical activity on prescription] before? I have been in pain for many years.”

“Exercises shouldn’t be framed as six weeks, but forever. It only reinforces it as a short term thing.”

Invite

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Would you be interested in talking a little more about how physical activity might help with your health and wellbeing on another visit?

Arranging follow up is important after a positively received 1-minute conversation. Offer a follow up opportunity with you or a colleague appropriate to the environment you work in and resources available.

“In the meantime I could give you some further information to read if that would be of interest”

Signpost the patient information section.

Insight

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Follow up may be with you, a colleague or another service, but try to capitalise on the opportunity provided and book the next step before they leave.
If they decline a follow up appointment offer them a patient information leaflet, thank them for taking the time to talk with you about physical activity and reassure them help is available when they feel ready for change.

Did you know?

The least active individuals stand to gain the most from a small increase in physical activity

Every conversation you have with people about physical activity is important in supporting behavioural change over the life course

Download this great infographic showing the UK Chief Medical Officers’ recommendations (2019) for physical activity in adults and older adults

Real impact

“Why haven’t I received [physical activity on prescription] before? I have been in pain for many years.”

“Exercises shouldn’t be framed as six weeks, but forever. It only reinforces it as a short term thing.”