109 Optimising Community-Based Physical Activity for Chronic Condition Management in Ireland: A Comprehensive Systems Analysis guided by RE-AIM

TL;DR

This study explores how community-based physical activity can help manage chronic conditions in Ireland, focusing on factors that influence its success.

Contribution

The study introduces a systems analysis approach guided by RE-AIM to understand community-based physical activity for chronic condition management in Ireland.

Findings

Community-based physical activity can improve quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions.

Stakeholder insights will reveal barriers and facilitators to implementing effective physical activity programs.

A systems approach will identify interdependencies and relationships within the current landscape of community-based physical activity initiatives.

Abstract

The prevalence of chronic conditions (CC) is rising rapidly and coupled with an aging demographic, poses a significant threat to the well-being of populations and overburdened healthcare systems. The negative impact of CC on physical, mental, and social well-being requires innovative approaches to combat decline in quality of life (QOL). The concept of “exercise as medicine” demonstrates the value of physical activity (PA) in treating CCs. Community-based PA initiatives are accessible solutions to improve QOL and prevent disease progression in CC populations, yet contextual factors impacting implementation are not widely understood. Therefore, as part of a broader study, this research will provide a comprehensive qualitative systems analysis of community-based PA interventions for populations with CC in Ireland.

This study will employ a qualitative data approach guided by systems approaches and implementation science. Following a desk-based review, semi-structured interviews guided by the RE-AIM framework will be conducted with multiple stakeholders to inform a comprehensive understanding of the landscape (intricacies and contextual factors) of community-based PA for populations with CC. Purposive and snowball sampling will recruit diverse stakeholders (providers, referrers, policymakers, funders) across sites. A hybrid coding approach of inductive and deductive coding guided by implementation science frameworks will be used for analysis of qualitative data.

This study aims to understand the key components and interconnections within the current system of community-based PA for CC in Ireland. This study will provide insights into barriers and facilitators influencing effectiveness and sustainability of community-based PA initiatives and aid in identifying implementation strategies to enhance the pathway of care into such initiatives for individuals with CC in Ireland.

To ensure effective implementation of community-based PA programmes, a clear understanding of the overall landscape, relationships, interdependencies is required. Implications of this study will inform the broader project through identifying barriers influencing effective implementation of community-based programmes. This process will contribute to identifying a suitable delivery model for these programmes, leading to scale-up of facilities, enhancing QOL of individuals.

Funded by SETU Co-fund programme and Carlow Sports Partnership.