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. 1997 Sep;47(422):567–569.

Green prescriptions: attitudes and perceptions of general practitioners towards prescribing exercise.

B A Swinburn 1, L G Walter 1, B Arroll 1, M W Tilyard 1, D G Russell 1
PMCID: PMC1313106  PMID: 9406491

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This qualitative study was part of a broader randomized controlled trial which showed that written exercise advice (green prescription) from a general practitioner (GP) increased physical activity levels among sedentary patients more than verbal advice alone over a 6-week period. AIM: To assess the attitudes and perceptions of GPs towards the practice of writing green prescriptions. METHOD: Participating GPs (n = 25) discussed attitudes and perceptions towards green prescriptions through structured focus groups within 2 weeks of the end of recruitment for the main study. RESULTS: The GPs felt comfortable discussing and prescribing exercise with and to patients. They preferred giving green prescriptions to giving verbal advice alone, and felt they were a valuable tool to formalize and document mutually agreed exercise goals. Time constraints were identified as a major barrier to the widespread implementation of green prescriptions. Appropriate training, resource materials, and patient follow-up mechanisms were identified as important elements for successful implementation of the strategy. CONCLUSION: Overall, the GPs were very positive about the green prescription concept, believing it to be beneficial for patients and achievable within general practice.

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Selected References

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