The purpose of this study was to explore Canadian NPs perceived

competence and importance in prescribing

physical activity (PA) behavior and to determine the prevalence of patient-centered PA prescription among NPs.

The secondary purpose of this study was to determine the most common patient-related factors leading to a

discussion regarding PA from the NP.

PURPOSE

METHODOLOGY/RESEARCH METHODS

Data for this cross-sectional survey was gathered via an Internet-based questionnaire. NPs across Canada (N

= 148) responded to a survey designed to assess factors that will

include a) demographic questions, b) self-reported PA, c) perceived

competence and importance related

Approximately 52%52% of NPs participating in this study were achieving public health physical

activity guidelines.

NPs were prescribing PA to approximately 59%59% of patients seen.

While NPs

perceived PA-related prescription to be important (M response = 4.82

out of 6.0, SD = .85), NPs perceived they had moderate

competence at conducting PA-related prescription (M response =

4.49 out of 6.0, SD = .90).

There were no differences in perceived There were no differences in perceived competence or perceived importance between competence or perceived importance between

NPs achieving and not achieving publicNPs achieving and not achieving public health PA guidelines. health PA guidelines.

Ultimately, exploring issues that both prevent and facilitate NPs engaging in PA discussions

with their patients may help us to a) understand the challenges and barriers encountered by NPs, and b) create the

conditions that will allow and facilitate NPs to engage in PA discussions with their patients

and c) prepare clinicians for the changing medical care environment (e.g., dramatic rise in the prevalence of PA, obesity, and other related

conditions).

RELEVENT FINDINGS/IMPLICATION

FOR PRACTICE The most commonly reported factors reported by NPs leading them to initiate

discussions regarding PA were:

1) patient is overweight / obese (n = 119),

2) type 2 diabetes (n = 54),

3) hypertension (n = 44), and

4) cardiovascular health (n = 41)

There is limited evidence pertaining to NPs and their perceived role in PA prescription

with their patients.

NPs perceived that they were competent at NPs perceived that they were competent at prescribing PA, and they perceived that PA prescribing PA, and they perceived that PA

prescription is important.prescription is important.

Given the health-enhancing effects of Given the health-enhancing effects of regular and sustained PA, we conclude that regular and sustained PA, we conclude that policymakers should include PA prescription policymakers should include PA prescription practices as a condition for reimbursement practices as a condition for reimbursement

in primary care visitsin primary care visits.

Before this can occur, a thorough understanding of the factors that prevent

and facilitate physical activity counseling in the NP context is necessary. This study

provides a preliminary understanding in the Canadian context.

Motivation to Move Patients - Nurse Practitioners and Physical Activity Prescription Dr Kimberley Lamarche RN NP, DNP & Dr Jeff Vallance PhD

Faculty of Health Disciplines

Contact the authors:Contact the authors:Dr Kimberley Lamarche : Dr Kimberley Lamarche : lamarche@athabascau.caDr Jeff Vallance : Dr Jeff Vallance : jeffv@athabascau.ca