Table 4 Patient factors GPs consider when personalising PA advice for patients from most to least commonly reported factors
Patient factors | Illustrative quotes |
|---|---|
Patient likes and dislikes | “You need to try to find a physical activity that is both good for them and that they like” (GP15) |
Pain, experience, and apprehensions | “If a patient tells me it hurts when they walk, I can be sure they aren’t going to do it” (GP6) |
The PA the patient already does and their abilities | “I ask if they do sports, which some patients already do on a daily basis.” (GP9) |
Age | “It depends a bit on the age and the person. I often recommend walking on flat ground, swimming, and cycling. Among the younger patients, I recommend Pilates” (GP4) |
How open the patient is to change | “It is important to judge when a patient is ready to change, wants to hear about options, or wants to get better” (GP11) |
Comorbidities | “When you see a patient with acute low back pain and another condition such as hypertension, diabetes or obesity, you have to approach them differently” (GP13) |
Lifestyle and associated personal and professional constraints | “I encourage them to do it every day. But if they can’t, I tell them to do it every other day or when they have time” (GP8) |
Season | “Patients are more motivated to go walking in the spring but in the winter, patients prefer to exercise at home” (GP8) |