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O’Grady M, Connolly D, Kennedy M, Mockler D, Broderick J, Barrett E. The Role of Intermediaries in Connecting Community-Dwelling Adults to Local Physical Activity and Exercise: A Scoping Review. Int J Integr Care 2024; 24:12. [PMID: 38706537 PMCID: PMC11067969 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.7731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Connecting inactive individuals to local physical activity (PA) and exercise, via intermediaries (professionals who can facilitate and support connections to non-medical services) may be an effective method to tackle physical inactivity. Evidence regarding the processes of intermediaries, the profile of people referred, how connections to local PA and exercise are made and outcomes of these connections is lacking. Methods This scoping review followed guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Searches of four electronic databases (Embase, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL) and an extensive grey literature search were conducted from inception to June 2022. Full-text studies which reported on community-dwelling adults (population), and the processes of intermediaries (concept) when connecting to local PA and exercise (context) were considered for inclusion. A logic model was created to map processes to outcomes. Evidence advances and gaps were identified. Results N = 28 studies were identified. Participants referred to an intermediary were older, female, and with poorer health. Where possible, the processes of referral, assessment, follow-up and discharge by intermediaries were described, as well as the local PA and exercise services used. Short-term PA outcomes appeared positive after working with intermediaries, but many studies were poorly described, and the review was not designed to examine effectiveness of this intervention. Discussion/Conclusion Many aspects of the processes were poorly described. More robust studies evaluating the processes of intermediaries are needed, as well as further exploration of the optimum processes in improving PA outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan O’Grady
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Connolly
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Megan Kennedy
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David Mockler
- The Library of Trinity College, The University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Julie Broderick
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emer Barrett
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Smit E, Leenaars KEF, Wagemakers MAE, Bakker EJ, van der Velden J, Molleman GRM. Do participants in a physical activity program from a Care Sport Connector become healthier? An explorative study from the Netherlands. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287913. [PMID: 38096146 PMCID: PMC10721037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Care Sport Connectors (CSCs) have been appointed to create a connection between the primary care and physical activity (PA) sectors to stimulate residents who are inactive to become more physically active to gain health benefits. The objective of this explorative study was to find out whether CSCs achieve these goals by testing the hypothesis that more residents become physically active, and score higher for health-related fitness and health-related quality of life. METHOD We conducted a longitudinal study design whereby participants (n = 402) were measured at three time points: at the start of their PA program (T0); after 6 months (T1); and after 1 year (T2). Participants conducted a fitness test to measure their health-related physical fitness and filled in questionnaires to assess PA level (PA-, Fit-, Combi-, and sport norm), health-related quality of life, motivation for PA, and personal information. We used a multi-level analysis to test whether outcomes of participants differ over time. Participants who dropped out and maintainers were compared with a chi-square test and a one-way ANOVA. RESULTS This study showed that one-third of the participants dropped out (n = 139). Participants who dropped out were, compared with maintainers, less physically active (P = 0.004) and were more often reached in bigger municipalities, by an integral approach. More participants meet the PA norm (P = 0.007) and sport norm (P<0.001) at T2 then at T0. Scores in health-related physical fitness and quality of life were significant but not a meaningful gain in health-related fitness. CONCLUSION More residents become physically active and participate in sport because they took part in a PA programs or activity organized by a CSC. Lifestyle interventions should be offered with a higher frequency, intensity, and focus on behavior change. It is necessary to invest in combined lifestyle interventions offered by a collaboration of primary care, welfare, and PA professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Smit
- Academic Collaborative Centre AMPHI, Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K. E. F. Leenaars
- Department of Social Sciences, Health and Society Group, Wageningen University & Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - M. A. E. Wagemakers
- Department of Social Sciences, Health and Society Group, Wageningen University & Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - E. J. Bakker
- Department of Social Sciences, Health and Society Group, Wageningen University & Research Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - J. van der Velden
- Academic Collaborative Centre AMPHI, Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - G. R. M. Molleman
- Academic Collaborative Centre AMPHI, Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Bogt MJJT, Bevelander KE, Tholen L, Molleman GRM, van den Muijsenbergh M, Fransen GAJ. Leverage point themes within Dutch municipalities' healthy weight approaches: A qualitative study from a systems perspective. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287050. [PMID: 37310977 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite all efforts of national and local approaches, obesity rates continue to rise worldwide. It is increasingly recognized that the complexity of obesity should be further addressed by incorporating a systems perspective when implementing approaches. Such an approach has four interconnected system levels: events, structures, goals, and beliefs, in which small changes ('leverage points') can lead to substantial changes in the functioning of the entire system. The current research examined the functioning of five Dutch municipalities' healthy weight approaches (HWAs) and the leverage point themes that can be identified in their system. METHODS Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with various stakeholders about the HWA, including policy advisors, care professionals, practice professionals, and citizens. An inductive thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS Three main themes were identified: 1) HWA organization structure, 2) collaboration between professionals, and 3) citizen participation. Across all system levels, we identified leverage point themes. The upper-levels events and structures occurred the most and were explained by underlying goals and beliefs. Leverage point themes regarding "HWA organization structure" were municipal processes, such as perceived impact; diversity of themes, activities, and tasks; network; and communication strategies, such as messages about the HWA. Leverage point themes regarding "collaboration between professionals" were linking pins, indicating central players within the network; motivation and commitment including support base; and stimulating one another to work on the HWA by spurring other professionals into action. Lastly, leverage point themes under "citizen participation" included reaching the target group, e.g., look for entry points; and citizens' motivation, including customization. DISCUSSION This paper provides unique insights into HWAs' leverage point themes that can lead to substantial changes in how the entire system functions and makes suggestions about underlying leverage points to help stakeholders improve their HWA. Future research could focus on studying leverage points within leverage point themes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maud J J Ter Bogt
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- AMPHI Academic Collaborative Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten E Bevelander
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- AMPHI Academic Collaborative Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Tholen
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard R M Molleman
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- AMPHI Academic Collaborative Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria van den Muijsenbergh
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Pharos, The Dutch Centre of Expertise on Health Disparities, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerdine A J Fransen
- Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- AMPHI Academic Collaborative Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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van Bijsterveld SC, Barten JA, Molenaar EALM, Bleijenberg N, de Wit NJ, Veenhof C. Psychometric evaluation of the Decision Support Tool for Functional Independence in community-dwelling older people. JOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING 2022; 16:1-23. [PMID: 35368880 PMCID: PMC8960690 DOI: 10.1007/s12062-022-09361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background The aging population is increasingly faced with daily life limitations, threatening their Functional Independence (FI). These limitations extend different life domains and require a broad range of community-care professionals to be addressed. The Decision Support Tool for Functional Independence (DST-FI) facilitates community-care professionals in providing uncontradictory recommendations regarding the maintenance of FI in community-dwelling older people. The current study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the DST-FI. Methods Sixty community-care professionals completed a twofold assessment. To assess construct validity, participants were asked to assign predefined recommendations to fifty cases of older people to maintain their level of FI. Hypotheses were tested regarding the expected recommendations per case. Content validity was assessed by questions on relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility of the current set of recommendations. Twelve participants repeated the assessment after two weeks to enable both within- and between rater reliability properties, expressed by an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient. Results Seven out of eight predefined hypotheses confirmed expectations, indicating high construct validity. As the recommendations were indicated 'relevant' and 'complete', content validity was high as well. Agreement between raters was poor to moderate while agreement within raters was moderate to excellent, resulting in moderate overall reliability. CONCLUSION The DST-FI suggests high validity and moderate reliability properties when used in a population of community-dwelling older people. The tool could facilitate community-care professionals in their task to preserve FI in older people. Future research should focus on psychometric properties like feasibility, acceptability, and developing and piloting strategies for implementation in community-care.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. C. van Bijsterveld
- Physical Therapy Sciences, Program in Clinical Health Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J. A. Barten
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Research Group Innovation of Human Movement Care, Research Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E. A. L. M. Molenaar
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Research Group Innovation of Human Movement Care, Research Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - N. Bleijenberg
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Research Group Proactive Care in Older People, Research Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - N. J. de Wit
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - C. Veenhof
- Department of Rehabilitation, Physical Therapy Science & Sports, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Research Group Innovation of Human Movement Care, Research Centre for Healthy and Sustainable Living, Utrecht University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Physical Therapy Research and Innovation in Primary Care, Julius Health Care Centers, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Wagemakers A, Mulderij LS, Verkooijen KT, Groenewoud S, Koelen MA. Care-physical activity initiatives in the neighbourhood: study protocol for mixed-methods research on participation, effective elements, impact, and funding methods. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:812. [PMID: 29954365 PMCID: PMC6025726 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5715-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Netherlands, people with a low socioeconomic status (SES) live approximately 6 years less and are less engaged in physical activity (PA) than high SES citizens. This contributes to the persistent health inequalities between low and high SES citizens. Care-PA initiatives are deemed effective for stimulating PA and improving health and participation among peoples with a low SES. In those initiatives, multiple sectors (e.g. sports, health insurers, municipalities) collaborate to connect primary care and PA at neighbourhood level. This study focuses on two Dutch municipalities that aim to invest in Health in All Policies (HiAP) and care-PA initiatives to improve the health of people with low SES. The aim is to gain insight into (1) the short-term (3 months) and long-term (1 year) outcomes of participating in care-PA initiatives for low SES citizens in terms of health, quality of life, and societal participation, (2) the effective elements that contribute to these outcomes, (3) the direct and perceived societal costs and benefits of care-PA initiatives, and (4) alternative ways to fund integrated care, prevention, and care-PA initiatives at neighbourhood level. METHODS The study will be built on a mixed-methods design guided by action research to continuously facilitate participatory processes and practical solutions. To assess outcomes, body measurements and questionnaires will be used as part of a pre-test/post-test design. Focus groups and interviews will be conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of outcomes and action elements. Action elements will be explored by using multiple tools: concept mapping, the logic model, and capacity mapping. Direct and perceived societal costs will be measured by administrative data from healthcare insurers (before-after design) and the effectiveness arena. An alternative funding model will be identified based on literature study, expert meetings, and municipal workshops. DISCUSSION Initiatives addressing multiple factors at different levels in an integral way are a challenge for evaluation. Multi-methods and tools are required, and data need to be interpreted comprehensively in order to contribute to a contextual insight into what works and why in relation to HiAP and care-PA initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Wagemakers
- Health and Society, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, PO. Box 8130, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Lisanne S Mulderij
- Health and Society, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, PO. Box 8130, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten T Verkooijen
- Health and Society, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, PO. Box 8130, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stef Groenewoud
- Institute for Quality in Health Care (IQ Healthcare), RadboudUMC Nijmegen, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria A Koelen
- Health and Society, Department of Social Sciences, Wageningen University, PO. Box 8130, 6700 EW, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Leenaars KEF, Smit E, Wagemakers A, Molleman GRM, Koelen MA. Exploring the impact of the care sport connector in the Netherlands. BMC Public Health 2017; 17:813. [PMID: 29037216 PMCID: PMC5644127 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-017-4830-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular physical activity (PA) is deemed to contribute to the primary and secondary prevention of several chronic diseases, like diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis. In 2012, Care Sport Connectors (CSC), to whom a broker has been ascribed, were introduced in the Netherlands to stimulate PA and guide primary care patients towards local sport facilities. The aim of this study was to explore which structural embedding is the most promising for CSCs' work. METHODS In three rounds of interviews, 13 CSCs were followed for 2 years in their work. In these interviews, a network survey was used to identify organisations in the CSCs' network, whether they collaborated with these organisations, and the role of the organisations in the connection. Data from the network survey were analysed using the RE-AIM framework and disaggregated into how CSCs were structurally embedded (Type A: only PA sector; Type B: different sectors; Type C: partnership). A related samples Wilcoxon signed rank test was performed to study how the CSCs' network developed between 2014 and 2016. RESULTS All CSCs established a connection between the primary care and the PA sector in which the average number of organisations with which CSCs collaborated increased significantly between 2014 (8.3) and 2016 (19.8) (p = 0.002). However, differences were identified in the way CSCs were structurally embedded and in the way they established the connection. Type A CSCs established the connection mostly around their own activities, supported PA organisations with their activities, and collaborated with primary care and welfare professionals around their own activities. Type B and Type C CSCs established the connection by organising, supporting, and implementing different kinds of activities targeting different kinds of audiences, and collaborated mostly with primary care professionals around the referral of professionals' patients. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study suggest that adopting an integral approach (Type B and C) for the structural embedding of the CSC is more promising for reaching the desired outcomes. Whether CSCs really improve the target groups' PA level and health needs to be further studied. TRIAL REGISTRATION Dutch Trial Register NTR4986 . Registered 14 December 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlijn E. F. Leenaars
- Department of Social Sciences, Health and Society Group, Wageningen University & Research Centre, P.O. Box 8130, 6700 EW Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eva Smit
- Academic Collaborative Centre AMPHI, Primary and Community Care, Radboud university medical center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie Wagemakers
- Department of Social Sciences, Health and Society Group, Wageningen University & Research Centre, P.O. Box 8130, 6700 EW Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard R. M. Molleman
- Academic Collaborative Centre AMPHI, Primary and Community Care, Radboud university medical center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria A. Koelen
- Department of Social Sciences, Health and Society Group, Wageningen University & Research Centre, P.O. Box 8130, 6700 EW Wageningen, The Netherlands
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