Are we adequately preparing the next generation of physicians to prescribe exercise as prevention and treatment? Residents express the desire for more training in exercise prescription

Authors

  • Kara Solmundson University of British Columbia
  • Michael Koehle University of British Columbia
  • Don McKenzie University of British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.36702

Keywords:

Exercise prescription, residency, medical education, family medicine, physical activity counselling

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) is a key intervention for chronic disease, yet few physicians provide exercise prescription (EP). EP is an important component in larger strategies of reducing non-communicable disease (NCD). Our objective was to assess Family Medicine Residents (FMR) knowledge, competence, and perspectives of EP to help inform future curriculum development.

Methods: A 49-item cross-sectional survey was administered to 396 University of British Columbia FMR. Residents’ EP knowledge, competence, attitudes/beliefs, current practices, personal physical activity levels, and perspectives of training were assessed using, primarily, a 7-point Likert scale.

Results: The response rate was 80.6% (319/396). After eliminating 25 that failed to meet the inclusion criteria, 294 were included in the final analysis. The majority 95.6% of FMR reported EP as important in their future practice, despite having low knowledge of the Canadian PA Guidelines (mean score 1.77/4), low self-reported competence prescribing exercise as prevention (mean score 13.35/21), and rating themselves “somewhat incompetent” prescribing exercise to patients with chronic disease (mean score 11.26/21). FMR believe PA is integral to their patients’ health (98.0%), sedentary behaviour is harmful (97.9%), and feel a responsibility to discuss PA with patients (99.7%). Few FMR (14.9%) perceived their training in EP as adequate and 91.0% desire more.

Conclusions: FMR report EP is important, yet do not perceive they are sufficiently prepared to provide EP. In future curricular development, medical educators should consider residents’ low knowledge, competence, perceived program support, and their expressed desire for more training in exercise prescription.

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Author Biographies

Kara Solmundson, University of British Columbia

Clinical Instructor

Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia (UBC), School of Medicine

 

Michael Koehle, University of British Columbia

Faculty_Associate Professor

Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia (UBC), School of Medicine

Don McKenzie, University of British Columbia

Faculty_Professor

Division of Sports Medicine, Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia (UBC), School of Medicine

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Published

2016-10-18

How to Cite

1.
Solmundson K, Koehle M, McKenzie D. Are we adequately preparing the next generation of physicians to prescribe exercise as prevention and treatment? Residents express the desire for more training in exercise prescription. Can. Med. Ed. J [Internet]. 2016 Oct. 18 [cited 2024 Nov. 21];7(2):e79-96. Available from: https://dev.journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/cmej/article/view/36702

Issue

Section

Original Research