Engaging people with long-term health conditions in a community-based physical activity initiative: a qualitative follow-up study evaluating the parkrun PROVE project

Abstract

Background The “parkrun: running or volunteering for everyone” (PROVE) project was an example of a community-based physical activity and volunteering initiative for people living with long-term health conditions in England. The 3 year project involved appointing volunteer Outreach Ambassadors whose role was to promote parkrun to people living with long-term health conditions through various outreach activities. This qualitative study aimed to understand the experience of delivering the project from the perspective of volunteer Outreach Ambassadors and the PROVE Project Manager. Methods The PROVE Project Manager and ten PROVE Outreach Ambassadors across nine health condition groups were interviewed by the researcher (asthma, blood pressure, deaf and hard of hearing, dementia, diabetes, endometriosis, heart conditions, learning disabilities and/or autism, and obesity). Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes and nine sub-themes were generated. The participants highlighted challenges in measuring the project’s success and bringing about meaningful and lasting change, and reflected on the value of the project as a learning opportunity. Despite some successes, it was thought that the project had limited reach outside of the existing parkrun community. The Outreach Ambassadors reflected on their experiences in the role and the skills required, finding it rewarding and highlighting the importance of networking and forming connections with key stakeholders. The findings are discussed in comparison to interviews conducted with the Outreach Ambassadors 12 months earlier. Conclusions This study provides evidence to support the public health potential of parkrun though targeted initiatives such as the PROVE project and provides a critical reflection on what worked and what did not work when delivering the project. The findings have relevance for organisations wishing to implement similar outreach initiatives using a volunteer workforce, including recommendations for resource management, communication, leadership, fostering volunteer autonomy and defining and capturing success.

Engaging underrepresented groups in community physical activity initiatives: a qualitative study of parkrun in the UK

“…Previous research has demonstrated that for equitable participation in parkrun events in England, it is not enough to situate (more) parkrun events in areas of high socio-economic deprivation and expect this to translate into participation by people from the local neighbourhood [ 27 ] or underrepresented communities. A small number of parkrun studies have explored outreach and inclusivity issues [ 19 , 37 ] and the current findings demonstrate the outreach activities that are possible. The outreach activities implemented by parkrun Ambassadors were consistent with practice in community development (utilising community assets and understanding the needs of local people) [ 38 ], but were limited in scope, reach and scalability by resource constraints.…”

Run, walk, cheer or volunteer: a patient and public involvement survey

“…Parkrun was considered to be inclusive but there is more to be done to ensure accessibility for everyone, such as logistics, policies and resources to support people with long-term health conditions 26. A qualitative follow-up study (n=11) evaluated the impact of PROVE and made recommendations for similar projects; one of these recommendations was to realise the target population and ensure efficient ways to reach them 27…”

“… 26 A qualitative follow-up study (n=11) evaluated the impact of PROVE and made recommendations for similar projects; one of these recommendations was to realise the target population and ensure efficient ways to reach them. 27 …”

“…26 A qualitative follow-up study (n=11) evaluated the impact of PROVE and made recommendations for similar projects; one of these recommendations was to realise the target population and ensure efficient ways to reach them. 27 Junior Parkrun has many locations. Travel is a barrier which, without implementing more locations or liaising with transport operators, is not easily resolved.…”

Patient and public involvement in rheumatic and musculoskeletal research: an idea whose time has firmly come

“…Patient advisory boards (PABs) are a statutory part of rehabilitation institutions to meet these patient-centered demands. Noting the lack of general rules or procedures for PABs, Sagen et al [ 21 ] conducted an exploratory study to learn how patient representatives experienced their organization, influence and impact. Findings confirmed that rehabilitation institutions improved with enduring PPI via PABs, further suggesting that rigorous evaluation must continue to ensure continued quality.…”