Exercise referral schemes in the UK: mapping provision and aims

Jane, Ben and Downey, John (2024) Exercise referral schemes in the UK: mapping provision and aims. Journal of Public Health, 46 (3). e477-e482. ISSN 1741-3850

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Abstract

Background Exercise Referral Schemes (ERS) are designed so health professionals can refer certain patients to a supervised programme of physical activity. However, evaluations have questioned the effectiveness of these schemes/programmes. The aim of this study was to systematically review the provision of ERS in England and analyse related promotional material. Methods Content analysis methods were used to analyse scheme websites and promotional material. A coding scheme was used to analyse the data, which included information on the programme’s aims, inclusion criteria, type of activities, accessibility and cost. Results The study identified 625 sites offering ERS across 168 geographic areas. Findings highlighted a lack of clarity in what constitutes a scheme. Over a third of schemes did not explicitly state their aims, but of those that did, the focus was mainly on notions of physical and mental health benefits. Conclusions This study is the first to review the scope and offer of ERS in the UK by examining promotional material and highlights issues around the stated aims of ERS. More clarity on aims is needed in the material that promotes the schemes and most likely within the schemes themselves. Such improvements could make a difference when considering engagement with delivery stakeholders and potential participants.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	** Article version: VoR ** From Crossref journal articles via Jisc Publications Router ** History: epub 03-05-2024; issued 03-05-2024; ppub 25-08-2024. ** Licence for VoR version of this article starting on 03-05-2024: https://academic.oup.com/pages/standard-publication-reuse-rights
Keywords:	health promotion, physical activity
SWORD Depositor:	JISCRouter
Depositing User:	JISCRouter
Date Deposited:	12 Sep 2024 09:07
Last Modified:	12 Sep 2024 09:07
URI:	https://marjon.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17876

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