ORCID Profile
0000-0003-0721-7723
Current Organisations
James Cook University
,
Southern Cross Care
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-08-2021
Abstract: Evidence-based strategies are needed to curb the growing cases of physical inactivity related morbidities. Delivering holistic care through collaborative shared decision making could boost the effectiveness of physical activity referral schemes (PARS) and foster the quality of care for patients with multimorbidity. A qualitative study involving semi-structured telephone interviews was utilised to gain insights from Australian PARS stakeholders (general practitioners, exercise physiologists, and patients). A pluralistic evaluation approach was employed to explore and integrate participants’ opinions and experiences of PARS and their recommendations were used to develop a model for quality care delivery in PARS initiatives. Five overarching themes: promote, relate, incentivise, communicate, and educate were identified as the ‘PRICE’ for developing effective and functional PARS programmes that foster quality patient care. It was evident that PARS programmes or policies aimed at optimising publicity, encouraging incentives, improving interdisciplinary information sharing and professional relationships between patients and healthcare professionals can transform healthcare delivery and provide top quality PARS care services to patients. Therefore, governments, healthcare systems, and PARS administrators can translate and leverage the insights from this study to optimise the delivery of high quality care to PARS patients.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-06-2020
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) is a cost-effective and non-pharmacological foundation for the prevention and management of chronic and complex diseases. Healthcare professionals could be viable conduits for PA promotion. However, the evidence regarding the effectiveness and benefits of the current forms of PA promotion are inconclusive. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions on key determinants impact on the optimum promotion of PA were explored in this review. Thirty-four (34) studies were identified after systematically searching seven databases for peer-reviewed articles published within the last decade. PA advice or counselling was the most recorded form of PA promotion, limited counselling time was the most reported obstacle while providing incentives was viewed as a key facilitator. There is widespread consensus among healthcare professionals (HCPs) on some aspects of PA promotion. Utilisation of all PA promotional pathways to their full potential could be an essential turning point towards the optimal success of PA promotional goals. Hence, strategies are required to broaden chronic disease treatment methods to include preventive and integrative PA promotion approaches particularly, between frontline HCPs (e.g., GPs) and PA specialists (e.g., EPs). Future studies could explore the functionality of GP to EP referral pathways to determining what currently works and areas requiring further development.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-07-2022
DOI: 10.1371/JOURNAL.PONE.0270408
Abstract: Physical activity (PA) has been identified as an essential tool for the prevention and management of multi-morbidity in patients. Coordination of patients’ care through interventions like physical activity referral schemes (PARS) could foster the utilization of PA. This study explored the views of General Practitioners (GPs) and Exercise Physiologists (EPs) as key stakeholders, for optimizing patient care and efficiency of PARS. Sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used to explore the perceptions of these health professionals on PA and coordination strategies for PARS patient care. Data analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics for questionnaires and theoretical framework analysis for the semi-structured interviews. Participants demonstrated a good knowledge of PA and valued PARS. However, the findings unravelled external factors, inter-organisational mechanisms, and relational coordination obstacles that hinder efficient coordination of PARS patient care and delay/limit beneficial health outcomes for patients. Incentivising the PARS initiative and empowering patients to seek referral into the programme, are strategies that could boost PARS efficiency. Improving inter-professional relationships between GPs and EPs could lead to enhanced PARS functionality and efficient coordination of care for patients with chronic diseases.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
DOI: 10.1016/J.PEC.2021.04.001
Abstract: Optimum physical activity (PA) interventions could be delivered via physical activity referral schemes (PARS) if utilised adequately. However, the evidence supporting PARS effectiveness is weak due to low uptake and non-adherence to interventions. Patients' experiences of PARS were explored to obtain in-depth insight into their perceived quality of care and practical ways to optimise the programme's effectiveness. A sequential explanatory mixed methods design was employed to probe cross-sectional quantitative survey data (n = 111) on patients' knowledge and beliefs about PA and PARS and qualitative interview data (n = 15) on their experiences of PARS. Informed by Donabedian framework of healthcare quality assessment, quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated to identify practical ways to enhance PARS effectiveness. Participants displayed good PA knowledge, had positive beliefs and perceived PARS to be useful. Nonetheless, bottlenecks in the structure and process of PARS impact on patient health outcomes and hinder the programme's uptake. Exploring other referral mechanisms into PARS such as self or nurse-initiated referrals could improve the programme's visibility and effectiveness. Improved support, enhanced visibility of EPs, ongoing interactions between GPs and EPs and education about referral pathways would foster improved uptake, adherence and health outcomes for patients.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 25-06-2020
No related grants have been discovered for Francis Albert.