RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES

that depend on opportunistic recruit- ment. In addition, more patients are like- ly to receive help over a shorter period of time leading to greater resource efficien- cy.

Key points ● Computerised patient records

would benefit from holding an accu- rate measure of physical inactivity ● Targeted, systematic recruitment using computerised records can iden- tify those with most to gain from increased physical activity ● Direct mail to target groups is a cheap and easy way to reach a large number of patients ● Letters of invitation should imply that acceptance of the offer requires a change in behaviour ● Responsibility for making inter- vention appointments should not be left to patients

References 1. Harland J, White M, Drinkwater C et al. The Newcastle exercise project: a randomised con- trolled trial of methods to promote physical activity in primary care. British Medical Journal 1999; 319: 828-832

2. Riddoch C, Puig-Ribera A, Cooper A. Effectiveness of physical activity promotion schemes in primary care: a review. Health Promotion Effectiveness Reviews No. 14. London: Health Education Authority, 1998

3. Stevens W, Hillsdon M, Thorogood M, McArdle D. Cost-effectiveness of a primary care based physical activity intervention in 45-74 year old men and women: a randomised con- trolled trial. British Journal of Medicine. 1998; 32:236-41

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4. Taylor, A, Doust, J, Webborn, N. Randomised controlled trial to examine the effects of a GP exercise referral programme in Hailsham, East Sussex, on modifiable coronary heart disease risk factors.

Journal Epidemiology & Community Health. 1998; 52:595-601

5. MacAuley D (Ed). Benefits and Hazards of Exercise. London: BMJ Books, 1999

Dr Hillsdon will be talking on the subject of prescribing exercise and the associated practi- cal problems at the joint Royal College of General Practitioners and BMJ conference Exercise and Sport on Thusday 15th June at Chelsea Football Club. See advertisement oppo- site for more details

Joint Royal College of General Practitioners & BMJ Conference

Exercise & Sport: The Pros & Cons for Health

Thursday 15th June, 2000

Programme to include: Exercise and the Elderly Speaker from Allan McGavin Sports Medicine Centre, University of British Colombia

Intermittent or Continuous Exercise?

Professor Adrienne Hardman, Dept of PE, Sports Science and Recreation Management, University of Loughborough

Chelsea Village Conference Centre, Chelsea Football Club, Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, London SW6 1HS

The Benefits of Exercise Speaker from Cooper Institute, Dallas

Psychological Wellbeing and Exercise

Dr John Kremer, School of Psychology, Queens University

Exercise and Diabetes Dr Nicholas S. Pierce, Centre for Sports Medicine, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham

Bone Health through Exercise

Dr Olga Rutherford, Dept of Bio–Medical Sciences, Imperial College, London

Prescribing Exercise Dr Melvyn Hillsdon, Health Promotion Services Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

PGEA & CME applied for For further information contact RCGP Course Unit on 020 7823 9703 or email courses@rcgp.org.uk

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