How do participant experiences and characteristics influence engagement in exercise referral? A qualitative longitudinal study of a scheme in Northumberland, UK.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Exercise referral schemes (ERSs) are internationally widespread. This study aimed to gain an insight into differential engagement through understanding participant experiences of patients referred by healthcare professionals to one such scheme in the UK.

Design

The study employed a qualitative longitudinal approach using semistructured interviews, with results reported using Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative research guidelines.

Setting

Two leisure centres providing an 'emerging best-practice' ERS in northeast England.

Participants

Referred patients (n=11), who had not yet commenced the scheme, were recruited on a voluntary basis. Seven females and four males, with a range of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, me

SUBMITTER: Hanson CL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6398729 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature