Optimising acceptability and feasibility of a physical activity intervention for adults with Type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Background: To optimise a theory-based physical activity behaviour change intervention ‘Movement as Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes (MaMT2D)’ for use in routine primary care. Methods: An open pilot study in two primary care practices. Six healthcare professionals were trained to deliver MaMT2D to adults with Type 2 diabetes (N=28). A qualitative process evaluation identified opportunities for intervention optimisation and barriers/enabling factors to implementation. Video recordings of consultations assessed fidelity of intervention delivery by professionals. Findings: Barriers and enabling factors to patient acceptability were cognitive burden of intervention components and increased knowledge/positive beliefs about the impact of physical activity on glycaemic control respectively. Professionals reported few opportunities to practice delivery of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and negative beliefs about their capabilities for intervention delivery. A key enabling factor was transferability of MaMT2D to other clinical populations. Fidelity of intervention delivery by professionals was satisfactory. Optimisation involved improved access to content on delivery of BCTs in professional training and reformatting of patient materials. Discussion: An open pilot facilitated optimisation of MaMT2D to maximise acceptability and feasibility in primary care.