Research has demonstrated the importance of physical activity in promoting health. Because physicians are viewed as credible sources of health information, Healthy People 2010 recommends that clinicians counsel all patients about regular physical activity. However, physicians have identified lack of training as a barrier to physical activity counseling and questioned their own ability to properly advise patients. This study examined deans' and directors' of medical education perceptions about the importance of and their students' competence related to patient evaluation and exercise prescription for physical activity. Participants included the deans and directors of medical education at all 128 allopathic schools of medicine in the United States. Data were collected from 67 participants, for a response rate of 52.3%, using the Exercise and Physical Activity Competence Questionnaire. Participants were asked to rate the competence of the typical medical student graduating from their school on six essential skills related to patient exercise and physical activity using a scale of 1 (not competent) to 6 (very competent). Next, they were asked to indicate the importance of students being able to perform the same six skills. Finally, participants were asked curricula questions about exercise and physical activity. While 94% indicated their graduating medical students were competent in conducting patient evaluation, only 49% said their students could design an exercise prescription. Also, only 6% of the participants reported that their school provided a core course addressing ACSM guidelines for exercise prescription. Findings suggest that more medical school training in physical activity and exercise prescription is needed.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Describe medical education administrators' perceptions about the importance of and their students' competence related to patient evaluation and exercise prescription for physical activity. 2. Report the extent to which topics related to health promotion, exercise testing, and exercise prescription are covered in medical curricula in the United States. 3. Identify implications associated with physicians lack of training in exercise testing and prescription and the broader goals of public health that pertain to physical activity
Keywords: Physicians, Physical Activity
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.