James NF Murphy

Abstract

Physical inactivity causes morbidity, mortality and healthcare expenditure. A minority of people undertake sufficient physical activity to meet the DoH recommendations. NICE has determined that brief advice in primary care is costeffective in increasing physical activity levels but there is no current recommendation for secondary care. Acute medical admissions represent “teachable moments” where patients might be receptive to advice. Qualitative methodology was used to determine the perspectives of acute medical in-patients on their willingness to receive physical activity advice and on its format and delivery. Most participants thought physical activity should be discussed by health care professionals if it related to the reason they were admitted to hospital but wanted individually-tailored advice on overcoming their specific barriers to physical activity.