Developing a new specialty &amp;ndash; sport and exercise medicine in the UK

Cullen, Michael R.

doi:10.2147/oajsm.s7627

Cited by 12 publications

(16 citation statements)

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“…Sport and exercise medicine is a relatively new medical specialty globally and is established as an integral component of the health system. 1 2 Sport and Exercise Physicians are specialist doctors whose scope of practice focuses on protecting and promoting the health of individuals and communities. 3 4 The Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP) is the professional body representing Sport and Exercise Physicians and trainees since 1985.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insights into the complexity of presentation and management of patients: the Sport and Exercise Physician’s perspective

Gamage

Seker

Orchard

et al. 2021

BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med

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ObjectivesSport and Exercise Physicians represent a relatively new specialty focusing on exercise in complex diseases including musculoskeletal diseases. Our objective was to describe the characteristics, type and complexity of patient presentations, their management strategies and referral information in Australian practice.MethodsA cross-sectional study including a cohort of 11 senior Sport and Exercise Physicians in Australia studied all new patient consultations within an 8-week period. Data were analysed relating to presentation, referral source, follow-up referrals, and patient management strategies.ResultsData from 419 patients were recorded. The majority, 97% (n=406), had musculoskeletal conditions, 53% (n=222) had one or more associated comorbidities and 47% (n=195) had ongoing symptoms for >12 months. Most patients, 82% (n=355), were referred by general practitioners. Prior consultations included physiotherapy 72% (n=301) and orthopaedic 20% (n=85). A multidisciplinary network of referrals from Sport and Exercise Physicians was observed, including 210 referrals to 9 allied health specialities and 61 referrals to 17 medical specialities. Over 74% (n=311) of patients received exercise-based intervention as part of the treatment plan, including 57% (n=240) physician managed exercise interventions.ConclusionOur work shines a light on the nature and complexity of the role of Sport and Exercise Physicians in an Australian practice context. Findings will assist in implementing measures to promote patient care at the community level in managing musculoskeletal conditions. Sport and exercise medicine stakeholders and government policy makers can use this information in developing appropriate programmes to support patients and create integrated sport and exercise medicine services for the community.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insights into the complexity of presentation and management of patients: the Sport and Exercise Physician’s perspective

Gamage

Seker

Orchard

et al. 2021

BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med

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“…In 2017, as part of the 'Moving Healthcare Professionals Programme' [23], Public Health England (PHE) and Sport England commissioned a Consultant-led Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) pilot to test the feasibility and acceptability of embedding PA interventions in secondary care; the Active Hospital pilot [24]. Historically, SEM in the NHS has focused on musculoskeletal clinical pathways, but with training in exercise medicine, population health, musculoskeletal medicine and multidisciplinary team work, SEM physicians are uniquely positioned to support a transition toward empowering patients to lead active lifestyles, particularly when working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team [25,26].…”

Section: The Active Hospital Pilotmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Active Hospital pilot: A qualitative study exploring the implementation of a Trust-wide Sport and Exercise Medicine-led physical activity intervention

et al. 2021

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Background In 2017 Public Health England and Sport England commissioned a Consultant-led Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) pilot to test the feasibility and acceptability of embedding physical activity interventions in secondary care clinical pathways. The aim of this paper is to report qualitative findings exploring the experience of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients involved in the Active Hospital pilot. Methods Qualitative data was collected by semi-structured interviews with Active Hospital pilot SEM Consultants, and staff and patients involved in three clinical pathways. Interviews with SEM Consultants explored the experience of developing and implementing the pilot. Interviews with staff and patients explored the experience of delivering and receiving Active Hospital interventions. Data were analysed thematically. Results Interviews identified the importance of the Active Hospital pilot being Consultant-led for the following reasons; i) having trusting relationships with decision makers, ii) having sufficient influence to effect change, iii) identifying champions within the system, and iv) being adaptable to change and ensuring the programme fits within the wider strategic frameworks. HCPs emphasised the importance of the Active Hospital interventions fitting easily within existing work practices, the need for staff training and to tailor interventions for individual patient needs. The Active Hospital pilot was well received by patients, however a lack of dedicated resource and capacity to deliver the intervention was highlighted as a challenge by both patients and HCPs. Conclusion The SEM Consultants’ ability to navigate the political climate of a large National Health Service (NHS) Trust with competing agendas and limited resource was valuable. The interventions were well received and a valued addition to usual clinical care. However, implementation and ongoing delivery of the pilot encountered challenges including lack of capacity within the system and delays with recruiting to the delivery teams in each pathway.

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“…SEM is a fully recognised specialty on a handful of countries, something that is not mirrored in the majority of regions worldwide,1 and SEM will not form any meaningful part of the medical curriculum in universities in most countries 2 3. This exclusion from the academic process results in limited awareness among students and physicians about what SEM actually involves.…”

Section: The Importance Of Grassroots Programmesmentioning

confidence: 99%