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. 2023 Sep 25;13(9):e072979.
doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072979.

Confusion among doctors regarding sports and exercise medicine as a specialty: an Australian multidisciplinary, cross-sectional survey

James Jian Yun Ooi  1 , Robin Hutchinson  2 , Gregory A Harris  3
Affiliations

Confusion among doctors regarding sports and exercise medicine as a specialty: an Australian multidisciplinary, cross-sectional survey

James Jian Yun Ooi et al. BMJ Open. .

Abstract

Objectives: This cross-sectional study aims to characterise the understanding and attitudes medical practitioners have towards sports and exercise medicine (SEM). By identifying knowledge gaps, misunderstandings and barriers to SEM referral, interventions may be suggested to improve the integration of SEM within a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare.

Design: A survey was constructed with a multidisciplinary expert panel. Refinement and consensus were achieved through a modified Delphi method. Both quantitative and qualitative data were analysed and intergroup comparisons made using χ2 test of independence and post-hoc paired comparisons.

Setting: The questionnaire was distributed across Australian public and private health sectors, in community and hospital-based settings.

Participants: Australian medical doctors practising in specialties likely to intersect with SEM were invited; including general practice, orthopaedics, emergency, rheumatology and anaesthetics/pain. Invitation was uncapped with no reportable response rate. A total of 120 complete responses were collected RESULTS: The minority (42.5%) of respondents understood the role and scope of sports and exercise physicians. SEM was poorly recognised and comprehended, with the most common misconception being that SEM is solely for elite athletes and performance. Few (20%) doctors were familiar with referral pathways to SEM services. Lack of awareness, clear scope and public presence were seen as major barriers. There was near unanimous (92.5%) agreement that 'exercise is medicine'. A strong majority felt SEM would be valuable to collaborate with more in their current practice (63.3%) and as a part of the Australian public health system (82.5%). There were some significant differences among subgroups, including that junior doctors were more likely to express confusion about SEM.

Conclusions: Among non-SEM doctors, there is significant lack of clarity regarding the role of SEM and its optimal integration. Interdisciplinary education and addressing misconceptions may improve the contribution of SEM to community healthcare.

Keywords: Health Education; Health Services Accessibility; MEDICAL EDUCATION & TRAINING; Musculoskeletal disorders; PREVENTIVE MEDICINE; SPORTS MEDICINE.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Familiarity with SEM referral pathways compared between specialties. SEM, sports and exercise medicine.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Collaboration with SEM in current clinical practice compared by regionality. SEM, sports and exercise medicine.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Understanding of sports and exercise medicine scope compared by level of training.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Conceptual framework—factors affecting doctors’ understanding and usage of SEM. SEM, sports and exercise medicine.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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