title: The systematic identification of content and delivery style of an exercise intervention.
abstract: This study explored the utility of using behaviour change taxonomies and checklists to systematically assess the content and delivery of behavioural support for physical activity delivered through an established exercise-referral scheme.
  
  
  
  An observation study was conducted whereby 22% of initial consultations were observed and audio-recorded, using quota sampling stratified by exercise-referral advisor.
  
  
  
  Content was independently coded by two researchers, to assess; (i) completeness in delivering the programme protocol, (ii) behaviour change techniques delivered (defined using the CALO-RE taxonomy) and (iii) delivery style according to the Behaviour Change Counselling Index (BECCI).
  
  
  
  Protocol completeness was 63.6% (range 35.6-74.6%). The behaviour change techniques delivered most consistently were 'providing information about where and when to perform the behavior' (86%) and 'setting outcome goals' (82%). Other evidence-based techniques such as self-monitoring were infrequently observed. Variation in BECCI scores indicated that advisors could, but did not consistently, provide a client-centred service.
  
  
  
  This study highlights how theoretically informed taxonomies can be useful in evaluating service delivery within applied practice, providing a meaningful way of assessing the completeness of protocol delivery relative to evidence. The provision of feedback to practitioners based on such objective criteria also facilitated positive academic-practitioner communication.
authors.affiliation: a Department for Health , University of Bath , Bath , UK.
authors.forename: Fay E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.affiliation: a Department for Health , University of Bath , Bath , UK.
authors.forename: Fiona B
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Gillison
authors.affiliation: a Department for Health , University of Bath , Bath , UK.
authors.forename: Miroslava D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Koseva
authors.affiliation: a Department for Health , University of Bath , Bath , UK.
authors.forename: Martyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Standage
authors.affiliation: b Active Lifestyles and Health Improvement Team , Bath and North East Somerset Council , Bath , UK.
authors.forename: Jessica L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Brodrick
authors.affiliation: b Active Lifestyles and Health Improvement Team , Bath and North East Somerset Council , Bath , UK.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.affiliation: a Department for Health , University of Bath , Bath , UK.
authors.forename: Hollie
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003142:Communication; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation
keywords: behaviour change taxonomies; evaluation; exercise referral; observational study; physical activity