Green prescriptions: attitudes and perceptions of general practitioners towards prescribing exercise

Abstract

Background: This qualitative study was part of a broader randomized controlled trial which showed that written exercise advice (green prescription) from a general practitioner (GP) increased physical activity levels among sedentary patients more than verbal advice alone over a 6-week period.

Aim: To assess the attitudes and perceptions of GPs towards the practice of writing green prescriptions.

Method: Participating GPs (n = 25) discussed attitudes and perceptions towards green prescriptions through structured focus groups within 2 weeks of the end of recruitment for the main study.

Results: The GPs felt comfortable discussing and prescribing exercise with and to patients. They preferred giving green prescriptions to giving verbal advice alone, and felt they were a valuable tool to formalize and document mutually agreed exercise goals. Time constraints were identified as a major barrier to the widespread implementation of green prescriptions. Appropriate training, resource materials, and patient follow-up mechanisms were identified as important elements for successful implementation of the strategy.

Conclusion: Overall, the GPs were very positive about the green prescription concept, believing it to be beneficial for patients and achievable within general practice.