Effectiveness of a clinical exercise physiologist in primary care
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effectiveness of a Clinical Exercise Physiologist led physical activity service for people with long term conditions in a UK Primary Care Network
IRAS ID
328530
Contact name
Gemma Miller
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Physical inactivity is a contributing factor in the development of various long-term conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, heart disease) that result in a diminished quality of life and reduced life expectancy. In the UK, physical inactivity is estimated to cost £7.4 billion annually and be attributable to one in six deaths. Primary care settings are often best placed to improve population levels of physical activity, as an average patient visits a general practitioner at least five times a year, with half of these contacts related to the management of long-term conditions. One possibility of increasing PA amongst those with long term conditions may be referrals to specialised individuals such as Clinical Exercise Physiologists (CEPs). CEPs are experienced health professionals with a sound understanding of the acute and chronic responses to exercise.
The aim of this project is to evaluate the implementation a CEP led physical activity service for patients with long-term conditions in the Central Liverpool Primary Care Network (CLPCN). This multi-centre implementation trial will collect data on patients enrolled in the service between July 2023 and March 2024. The trial will use a combination of anonymised data extracted from patient records held by CLPCN and data collected from patients who consent to additional health measures. The trial will also conduct interviews with CLPCN staff, including CEPs.
In line with Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance on process evaluation and the RE-AIM implementation framework the data collected will allow the team to assess, Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0820
Date of REC Opinion
23 Aug 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion