TY - JOUR

T1 - Physical activity promotion in the community pharmacy

T2 - an opportunity for an expanded role?

AU - Viegas, Ruben

AU - Silva, Filipa

AU - Nørgaard, Lotte Stig

AU - Ramos, Filipa Duarte

AU - Mendes, Romeu

AU - Alves da Costa, Filipa

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - BackgroundPhysical inactivity is a major risk factor for the development of chronic diseases, and it is increasingly prevalent in the Portuguese population. Pharmacists’ role in promoting physical activity (PA) is still not well established, although health promotion is foreseen by law in Portugal. Competing tasks and location where the pharmacy is embedded can hinder this promotion in their daily practice.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify the main barriers and facilitators of physical activity promotion (PAP) in Portuguese community pharmacies and explore possible pathways for future implementation of physical activity promotion.MethodsIn-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively enrolled community pharmacists. Participant recruitment was aligned with data saturation. Data analysis comprised a mixed model of a deductive theme mapping strategy using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) for the behaviour of promoting physical activity and an inductive approach for any other relevant themes and which might influence PA promotion.ResultsData saturation was reached at eleven interviews. Barriers and facilitators for the behaviour of promoting PA were identified from 11 out of the 14 TDF domains. Following an inductive approach, other emerging codes were clustered in additional seven major themes. Highlighted barriers focused on domains #1 – Knowledge, #10 – Memory, Attention and Decision Processes and #13 – Environmental Context and Resources. Community mapping, establishment of remuneration models and the use of digital technologies were suggested as additional potential contributors to scale up PAP.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists are well placed inside their communities to serve as a focal point for signposting, engagement with other healthcare professionals and community resources and activities organized by the pharmacy itself. Pharmacists should be supported in being knowledgeable, aware, and available when promoting PA in their daily counseling.

AB - BackgroundPhysical inactivity is a major risk factor for the development of chronic diseases, and it is increasingly prevalent in the Portuguese population. Pharmacists’ role in promoting physical activity (PA) is still not well established, although health promotion is foreseen by law in Portugal. Competing tasks and location where the pharmacy is embedded can hinder this promotion in their daily practice.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to identify the main barriers and facilitators of physical activity promotion (PAP) in Portuguese community pharmacies and explore possible pathways for future implementation of physical activity promotion.MethodsIn-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively enrolled community pharmacists. Participant recruitment was aligned with data saturation. Data analysis comprised a mixed model of a deductive theme mapping strategy using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) for the behaviour of promoting physical activity and an inductive approach for any other relevant themes and which might influence PA promotion.ResultsData saturation was reached at eleven interviews. Barriers and facilitators for the behaviour of promoting PA were identified from 11 out of the 14 TDF domains. Following an inductive approach, other emerging codes were clustered in additional seven major themes. Highlighted barriers focused on domains #1 – Knowledge, #10 – Memory, Attention and Decision Processes and #13 – Environmental Context and Resources. Community mapping, establishment of remuneration models and the use of digital technologies were suggested as additional potential contributors to scale up PAP.ConclusionCommunity pharmacists are well placed inside their communities to serve as a focal point for signposting, engagement with other healthcare professionals and community resources and activities organized by the pharmacy itself. Pharmacists should be supported in being knowledgeable, aware, and available when promoting PA in their daily counseling.

U2 - 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.12.003

DO - 10.1016/j.sapharm.2023.12.003

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 38129220

VL - 20

SP - 345

EP - 352

JO - Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy

JF - Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy

SN - 1551-7411

IS - 3

ER -