The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of i) an intervention delivered by an intermediary in improving physical activity and health outcomes and ii) the evaluation design, which included the suitability of the recruitment methods and the selected outcome measures.
This was a mixed methods pilot feasibility study. N=30 intermediary intervention participants were recruited from ten social prescribing and local sports partnership services, fifteen from each type of service. Demographic information, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form, Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale and Short Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale were completed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Intermediaries, who acted as gatekeepers for this study, recorded recruitment and enrolment rates. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with intervention participants after 12 weeks, and with intermediaries at the end of the recruitment period. Participants provided written informed consent to participate.
Preliminary results indicate that intervention participants (N=29) had a median (IRQ) age of 68 (12.5). They tended to be female (N=25, 86%), living with spouses or family members (N=19, 65.5%) and retired (N=20, 69%). Over half reported living with chronic disease (N=17, 57%), and having low-moderate self-rated health (N=16, 55%). At baseline, 45% (n=13) met the physical activity guidelines, however mean scores for mental wellbeing (26.5 (SD 4.1)) and self-efficacy for exercise (50.6 (SD 19.9)) were moderate. Preliminary analysis of intervention participant interviews suggests they received sufficient support and little negative impacts from this intervention. Results will be presented regarding the feasibility of the intermediary intervention, suitability of the study methods, and any changes in physical activity outcomes as well as analysis of the interviews with intermediaries and intervention participants.
Preliminary results indicate interventions delivered by ‘intermediaries’, in which onward connections to local physical activities are facilitated, are acceptable in the Irish context.
If shown to be feasible, intermediaries show promise as a method of promoting physical activity participation and addressing physical activity inequalities. A feasible evaluation design will allow further research of effectiveness of intermediary interventions, helping to inform future referral pathways between healthcare professionals (including physiotherapists) and intermediaries.
health promotion
intermediaries
