Integrating Physical Activity into Patient Care with Moving Medicine
The recent NHS statement on ‘Harnessing the power of physical activity’ offers a powerful, evidence-based framework which reaffirms its crucial role in preventing illness, enhancing mental and physical wellbeing and reducing health inequalities.
It prioritises the need for healthcare professionals to promote physical activity as a key healthcare intervention. It is no longer good enough to see physical activity as a ‘nice to have’.
Sport and Exercise Medicine Consultants and Specialist Registrars have a track record of producing, delivering and disseminating resources to support the multiprofessional workforce to integrate physical activity into healthcare pathways.
Through the Moving Medicine, Active Hospitals, Physical Activity Clinical Champions (PACC) and Active Conversations resources, we have developed high-quality, evidence-based learning materials which have been received well both nationally and globally. As the governing body for the specialty Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) in the UK, FSEM work to set standards for the multiprofessional workforce through examinations, training and standard setting.
The NHS statement echoes that of the 2024 World Health Organisation assessment of global physical in activity which provides a convening call for healthcare systems around the world to increase their efforts in enabling people with a long-term health condition or disability to become more active. These individuals are twice as likely to be inactive as those without.
The report reminds those designing system level solutions that a one size fits all approach is insufficient. The NHS needs to improve communication to patients about the importance of physical activity in their disease pathways. Health and care integrated care systems need to work in close partnerships with communities to co-design interventions that: are patient centred and patient driven; remove barriers; are culturally competent; are accessible at places that support sustained engagement. Active travel, social prescribing and community-led programmes are critical to success.
It is fantastic that the fitness and active wellbeing sector is recognised as playing a vital role in system level success. Clinical and care pathways must champion these professionals and the facilities they work within. The sector also helps keep NHS staff healthier by supporting their access to local community assets such as gyms, pools and multigame areas, which is highlighted in the report.
Physical activity must become a core pillar of patient centred care. The NHS position statement emphasises the need for greater ambition and stronger partnerships with local systems, including local authorities and the physical activity sector. It calls for a unified approach for the integration of physical activity into health and care systems, making it a shared responsibility for all.
Authored by
Dr Kay Brennan, Chair of the Exercise Medicine Committee
Dr Natasha Jones, FSEM President