“Measurable outcomes are the best way of persuading GPs: most are open to change if shown evidence”
fred turok fia • chair
“G
Ps are still somewhat cynical about the proven medical
benefits of exercise in the treatment and prevention of disease – they haven’t had the necessary evidence to ensure they see exercise as one of their key tools. The FIA is working to change this
view. The Joint Consultative Forum – a partnership between the FIA and Royal
Medical Colleges – is drawing up standards to give clear and accredited guidelines for exercise programming, as well as UK standards for using exercise to manage chronic disease. I believe every surgery should have an in-house exercise
professional as standard, like the practice nurse. These exercise champions could work with the GP to identify those who could benefit from exercise and draw up a 12-month wellbeing programme, taking a holistic approach to their health: exercise, diet, stress, alcohol and whether or not they smoke. As a sector, we need to be better at reaching out to our
busy local GPs. Go and visit your local GP surgery – not as a patient, but to form a relationship. Even offer the GPs a free membership, so they can experience first-hand the effectiveness of an exercise programme.
” july 2012 © cybertrek 2012
georgina jupp ck academy • managing director
“M
y experience suggests that, to get GPs onboard with exercise
referrals, we need to make them simple, with clear information and obvious professional expertise and pathways to deal with patients. The main barriers to referral remain
a lack of understanding around the value of exercise, ongoing reluctance to
engage with the fitness sector and – given time constraints of appointment slots – the effort required to explain the benefits to patients. To overcome this, we must have a consistent approach to medical conditions, quality programming, and ongoing collection and evaluation of data which should be shared with the referring GPs in a timely and consistent fashion. I believe the FIA’s inroads into disseminating evidence-based
information around exercise referral programmes and forging strong links with medical bodies will, over time, decrease GPs’ resistance. But actually removing these barriers will inevitably take longer. We must continue with our awareness-raising initiatives, learn from and support each other to be taken seriously as a sector, and continue to believe in our role in preventative healthcare.
” Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 29
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