title: Increased training of general practitioners in Ireland may increase the frequency of exercise counselling in patients with chronic illness: a cross-sectional study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Recent systematic reviews have established that brief interventions in primary care are effective and economic at promoting physical activity. Lack of training has previously been identified as a barrier to lifestyle counselling in Ireland.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluates frequency of exercise counselling (EC), in patients with six chronic illnesses (type 2 diabetes mellitus, stable coronary heart disease, hypertension, depression, obesity, osteoarthritis) and healthy adults, by general practitioners (GPs) in the mid-west of Ireland, as well as, whether training in EC influences the frequency of EC.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire survey of GPs based in the mid-west of Ireland was conducted during February and March 2012. The questionnaire was distributed to 39 GPs at two continuing medical education meetings and posted to 120 other GPs in the area. The questionnaire assessed the frequency of EC, use of written advice and frequency of recommending resistance exercise in the above patient groups. It also assessed training in EC.
  
  
  RESULTS
  64% of GPs responded (n = 102). Frequency of EC varied among the chronic illnesses evaluated. Use of written advice and advice on resistance exercise in EC was low. Only 17% of GPs had previous training in EC. If available, 94% of GPs would use guidelines to prescribe exercise in chronic illness. The association of previous training in EC with frequency of EC was variable, with significantly higher counselling rates found in T2DM, obesity and healthy adults.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improved training of GPs and development of guidelines may increase the frequency of EC in Ireland.
authors.affiliation: Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick , Limerick , Ireland.
authors.forename: Ciarán L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Joyce
authors.forename: Colm M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: O'Tuathaigh
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: General practice; cross-sectional design; medical education; public health and community medicine; skills training