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Exercise on referral: evidence and complexity at the nexus of public health and sport policy

Oliver, E J; Hanson, C L; Lindsey, I A; Dodd-Reynolds, C J

Authors

E J Oliver

I A Lindsey

C J Dodd-Reynolds



Abstract

Exercise on referral schemes (ERS) are recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence for increasing physical activity in inactive patients with long-term health conditions. The current paper critiques a recent extension to ERS provision, specifically, schemes using sport as the primary delivery mechanism (sport-based ERS). We suggest attention should be given to how such schemes that operate across sport and public health sectors may have mismatched approaches to evidence and policy implementation.

Specifically, we highlight two current issues concerning ERS and consider the addition of sport-based schemes in respect to these. First, we argue that ERS-related public health policy and guidance is drawn from a limited evidence base, and is consequently vague. While this leads to opportunities for local innovation, the subsequent design, implementation and evaluation of ERS is diverse. ‘Scaling-up’ of effective interventions, desired by Public Health England, is therefore problematic, and likely to be further exacerbated by introducing sport-based ERS. Second, we contend that sport-based schemes are unlikely to overcome existing challenges concerning untargeted provision of ERS, and that funding would be better directed towards services for those who have complex barriers to successful engagement.

Citation

Oliver, E. J., Hanson, C. L., Lindsey, I. A., & Dodd-Reynolds, C. J. (2016). Exercise on referral: evidence and complexity at the nexus of public health and sport policy. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 8(4), 731-736. https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2016.1182048

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 16, 2016
Online Publication Date May 17, 2016
Publication Date 2016-10
Deposit Date Feb 22, 2017
Journal International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics
Print ISSN 1940-6940
Electronic ISSN 1940-6959
Publisher Routledge
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 8
Issue 4
Pages 731-736
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2016.1182048
Keywords Exercise referral, physical activity, community based, healthcare, sport
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/688268