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. 2024 Nov;144(6):369-380.
doi: 10.1177/17579139231170784. Epub 2023 Jun 18.

Systematic review of the barriers and facilitators to cross-sector partnerships in promoting physical activity

V Kolovou  1 , N Bolton  2 , D Crone  3 , S Willis  3 , J Walklett  3
Affiliations

Systematic review of the barriers and facilitators to cross-sector partnerships in promoting physical activity

V Kolovou et al. Perspect Public Health. 2024 Nov.

Abstract

Aims: To review the barriers and facilitators that cross-sector partners face in promoting physical activity.

Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, ProQuest Central, SCOPUS and SPORTDiscus to identify published records dating from 1986 to August 2021. We searched for public health interventions drawn from partnerships, where the partners worked across sectors and their shared goal was to promote or increase physical activity through partnership approaches. We used the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme UK (CASP) checklist and Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies - of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool to guide the critical appraisal of included records, and thematic analysis to summarise and synthesise the findings.

Results: Findings (n = 32 articles) described public health interventions (n = 19) aiming to promote physical activity through cross-sector collaboration and/or partnerships. We identified barriers, facilitators and recommendations in relation to four broad themes: approaching and selecting partners, funding, building capacity and taking joint action.

Conclusion: Common challenges that partners face are related to allocating time and resources, and sustaining momentum. Identifying similarities and differences between partners early on and building good relationships, strong momentum and trust can take considerable time. However, these factors may be essential for fruitful collaboration. Boundary spanners in the physical activity system could help translate differences and consolidate common ground between cross-sector partners, accelerating joint leadership and introducing systems thinking.

Prospero registration number: CRD42020226207.

Keywords: cross-sector collaboration; physical activity; public-private partnerships; systematic review; whole systems approach.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. As a declaration of interest, the third author is a non-executive director of Public Health Wales (commenced 2021).

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA 2020 diagram
Figure 2
Figure 2
Diagram showing the reported barriers to working in cross-sector partnerships by level (system, sectors, partnership, partners) and theme
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diagram showing the reported facilitators to working in cross-sector partnerships by level (system, sectors, partnership, partners) and theme
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Bagnall AM, Radley D, Jones R, et al. Whole systems approaches to obesity and other complex public health challenges: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2019;8:19. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Welsh Government. Healthy weight strategy (Healthy Weight Healthy Wales). Policy and Strategy, 2019. Available online at: https://www.gov.wales/healthy-weight-strategy-healthy-weight-healthy-wales
    1. Welsh Government Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, 2015. Available online at: https://gov.wales/well-being-of-future-generations-wales
    1. United Nations. Sustainable Development Goals Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. UN; 2015. Available online at: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/health/
    1. World Health Organisation Global Action Plan On Physical Activity. 2018-2030: More active people for a healthier world. WHO; 2018. Available online at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241514187

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