Table 2.

Definition of 5As Used for Coding of Audiorecorded Office Visits

Ask/Assess: Did the clinician ask about the patients exercise or physical activity habit in any way? Was there any discussion about initiating, maintaining, or changing physical activity levels in any way?

Advise = A clear statement that the clinician makes to the patient recommending the patient do regular physical activity. The doctor gives clear, personalized, and specific advice to change physical activity/exercise habits, which may or may not include information about personal benefits to health.

Agree = The clinician and patient collaboratively select appropriate treatment goals and tasks based on the patient’s interest and willingness to change the behavior.

Assist = The clinician assists the patient to aid them in changing their physical activity/exercise plans by addressing any challenges or barriers that the patient may face. This category also refers to the doctor helping the patient strategize or come up with a plan on how the patient might actually change their exercise level to meet their goals. The doctor might also mention available community resources, programs, or referral options for physical activity/exercise programs in this step.

Arrange = The doctor and patient explicitly discuss a follow up plan. This means that the doctor schedules a follow up appointment to provide ongoing assistance and support to the patient for helping them change their exercise level. This step may also involve a referral to a program or specialist to help the patient with the exercise program (in this sense may overlap somewhat with the Assist step).