Fidelity of very brief interventions for physical activity in primary care (VBI pilot trial)

Abstract

Background: Very brief, five-minute interventions (VBIs) for physical activity in primary care may be cost-effective, but the fidelity of their delivery and receipt is unknown. Our pilot trial assessed fidelity of three VBIs as part of preventative health checks alongside potential efficacy. Methods: 394 adults (mean (SD) = 53 (9.1) years, 59% female) were randomised to a motivational VBI (n=83), pedometer VBI (n=74), or motivational plus pedometer (combined) VBI (n=80) following the health check, or health check alone (n=157). We assessed VBI duration and practitioner adherence from 51 audio-taped consultations; and ease of delivery and receipt from interviews (37 participants, 12 practitioners). Findings: Only the pedometer VBI was deliverable within five minutes and judged easiest to deliver by practitioners. Practitioner adherence was 62% (motivational), 72% (pedometer) and 74% (combined). Participants mentioned that VBIs fitted well within the health checks and reminded them of the importance of physical activity. Discussion: VBIs for physical activity can be delivered faithfully in routine consultations. A large-scale trial is evaluating cost-effectiveness of the pedometer VBI.