The views of GPs about using sit–stand desks: an observational study

Biddle, Gregory J H; Thomas, Nicholas; Edwardson, Charlotte L.; Clemes, Stacy A.; Daley, Amanda

doi:10.3399/bjgpo.2021.0203

Cited by 4 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Some data have been reported previously. 8 To be eligible to participate in this study GPs had to be working in the UK at the time. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) sent the survey link by email to members who had previously agreed to be contacted about research.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Burnout, psychological wellbeing, and musculoskeletal complaints in UK GPs: an observational study

et al. 2023

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BackgroundHealthcare systems are under unprecedented pressure. GPs are crucial to the health of the population, yet their own health and wellbeing is often overlooked.AimTo investigate feelings of burnout, psychological wellbeing, and musculoskeletal complaints in GPs across the UK and to examine whether these health outcomes vary according to the time GPs spent sitting, their participation in physical activity each day, the time spent working per day/week.Design & settingObservational study involving GPs located across the UK.MethodAn online survey was emailed to working members of the Royal College of General Practitioners and shared on social media. The survey included questions on burnout, psychological wellbeing, and musculoskeletal complaints, sitting time, physical activity and time spent working. Mean differences were examined for burnout, psychological wellbeing and musculoskeletal complaints.ResultsData from 406 GPs showed a high level of burnout (36%) and musculoskeletal complaints (82%). Psychological wellbeing was low in 25% of GPs. Burnout was lower in GPs who met current physical activity guidelines, while psychological wellbeing was higher in those with more than two breaks in sitting per hour. Musculoskeletal complaints were higher in those spending more than 50% of sitting time in prolonged bouts (≥30 minutes).ConclusionA high proportion of GPs reported experiencing burnout and musculoskeletal complaints, but these health concerns were less evident in GPs who spent less time in prolonged sitting, took more breaks in sitting and who were more physically active.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Burnout, psychological wellbeing, and musculoskeletal complaints in UK GPs: an observational study

et al. 2023

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“…This was broadly similar to GPs' views reported previously. 22 This view remained following the 4-week sit-stand desk intervention. GPs mostly preferred to match patients' posture during consultations, meaning if the patient was sitting, the GPs would also usually prefer to sit.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

“…The first phase examined GPs' views of the potential use of sit-stand desks within general practice with the explicit Open access aim of informing this study. 22 The results of this survey directly informed study design. No specific patient and public involvement activities were conducted for this study.…”

Section: Patient and Public Involvementmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…A nationwide survey of GPs in the UK (n=630) reported that GPs would be interested in having a sit-stand desk, and would be willing to try standing within consultations with their patients. 22 Further, sit-stand desks have been shown to be effective at reducing sitting among office workers (not patient facing) within the National Health Service (NHS), as occupational sitting was over 80 min per day lower after 12 months compared with controls, with corresponding improvements in job performance, work engagement, occupational fatigue, sickness presenteeism, daily anxiety and quality of life. 23 Further, a Cochrane review showed sit-stand desks can reduce sitting time by up to 100 minutes in the short term and up to around 60 minutes at longer follow-up.…”

Section: Open Accessmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…26 This study was part of a larger programme of work that aimed to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of GPs using sit-stand desks to facilitate standing during consultations. 22 This study focused specifically on investigating GPs' experiences of using the sit-stand desk within their everyday work, including during consultations with patients, and investigating the impact of the desk on GPs' physical activity and sedentary behaviours. This information would be useful to design the methodology for a subsequent larger phase III trial to test effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.…”

Section: Open Accessmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Feasibility and acceptability of general practitioners using sit–stand desks: a feasibility trial

Biddle,

Thomas,

Edwardson

et al. 2024

BMJ Open

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ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of general practitioners (GPs) using sit–stand desks to facilitate standing during consultations. A further aim was to examine the views of patients about GPs standing for their consultations.DesignA pre–post single-group experimental trial design.SettingGeneral practices in England, UK.Participants42 GPs (working a minimum of five clinical sessions per week) and 301 patients (aged ≥18 years).InterventionsThe intervention consisted of each GP having a sit–stand desk (Opløft Sit-Stand Platform) installed in their consultation room for 4 working weeks. Sit–stand desks allow users to switch, in a few seconds, between a sitting and standing position and vice versa, by adjusting the height of the desk.Main outcome measuresTo test feasibility and acceptability, GPs reported their views about using sit–stand desks at work at baseline and follow-up. Sitting time and physical activity were also measured via accelerometer at baseline and follow-up. Patients who attended a consultation where their GP was standing were asked to complete an exit questionnaire about the perceived impact on the consultation.ResultsMost GPs reported using their sit–stand desk daily (n=28, 75.7%). 16 GPs (44.4%) used their sit–stand desk during face-to-face consultations every day. Most GPs and patients did not view that GPs standing during face-to-face consultations impacted the doctor–patient relationship (GPs; 73.5%, patients; 83.7%). GPs’ sitting time during work was 121 min per day lower (95% CI: −165 to −77.58) at follow-up compared with baseline.ConclusionsUse of sit–stand desks is acceptable within general practice and may reduce sitting time in GPs. This may benefit GPs and help reduce sitting time in patients.Trial registration numberISRCTN76982860.

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The relationship between general practitioner movement behaviours with burnout and fatigue

Mayne,

Biddle,

Edwardson

et al. 2024

BMC Prim. Care

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Background Physical inactivity is associated with feelings of burnout and fatigue, which in turn are associated with reduced performance among healthcare practitioners. This study explored movement behaviours of general practitioners (GPs) and the association between these behaviours with burnout and fatigue. Methods GPs in Northern Ireland were asked to wear a thigh-worn accelerometer for seven days and complete validated questionnaires to assess the association between daily number of steps, time spent sitting and standing with feelings of burnout and fatigue. Results Valid accelerometer data were obtained from 47 (77.0%) participants. Average workday sitting time, standing time and number of steps were 10.6 h (SD 1.5), 3.8 h (SD 1.3), and 7796 steps (SD 3116) respectively. Participants were less sedentary (8.0 h (SD 1.6)) and more active (4.7 h (SD 1.4) standing time and 12,408 steps (SD 4496)) on non-workdays. Fourteen (30.4%) participants reported burnout and sixteen (34.8%) reported severe fatigue. There were no significant associations between sitting, standing and step counts with burnout or fatigue (p > 0.05). Conclusion GPs were less active on workdays compared to non-workdays and exhibited high levels of sitting. Feelings of burnout and fatigue were highly prevalent, however movement behaviours were not found to be associated with burnout and fatigue. Given the increased sedentariness among GPs on workdays compared to non-workdays, GPs should consider how they can improve their movement behaviours on workdays to help optimise their wellbeing.

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The views of GPs about using sit–stand desks: an observational study

Cited by 4 publications

References 23 publications

Burnout, psychological wellbeing, and musculoskeletal complaints in UK GPs: an observational study

Burnout, psychological wellbeing, and musculoskeletal complaints in UK GPs: an observational study

Feasibility and acceptability of general practitioners using sit–stand desks: a feasibility trial

The relationship between general practitioner movement behaviours with burnout and fatigue

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