Development of Digital Resources to Support the Implementation of the Physical Activity Advice Continuum: The Right Advice, in the Right Setting, at the Right Time

Background: Physical activity promotion by health professionals and other health care workers is an underutilized opportunity to address physical inactivity. To support clinicians to provide the right advice, in the right setting, and at the right time, this project aimed to develop and test the usability and acceptability of digital resources supporting the translation of the physical activity advice continuum. Methods: This project was conducted in 2 phases. In phase 1, 2 focus groups were completed to support the development of digital resources. In phase 2, an online survey and individual interviews were completed to test the usability and acceptability of digital resources. Results: In phase 1, 8 health professionals participated in 2 focus groups, resulting in a list of refinements to the original physical activity advise continuum to support its translation. In phase 2, 62 allied health, nurses, and medical professionals participated in an online survey, and 4 health professionals and 4 health care consumers participated in individual interviews. Findings revealed that while participants saw potential in the use of the digital resources, there was a need for further clarity regarding the purpose of the tool, as well as further consideration regarding how the tool could be used by different professionals. Recommendations provided were applied. Conclusions: The physical activity advice continuum digital resources have the potential to improve the physical activity promotion practices of health professionals and health care workers. Further research is required to establish who these resources are best suited for, and the extent to which they influence practice.