An Evolving Model of Best Practice in a Community Physical Activity Program: A Case Study of “Active Herts”

Background: Community-based physical activity programs typically evolve to respond to local conditions and feedback from stakeholders. Process evaluations are essential for capturing how programs are implemented, yet often fail to capture delivery evolution over time, meaning missed opportunities for capturing lessons learned. Methods: This research paper reports on a staged approach to a process evaluation undertaken within a community-based UK 12-month physical activity program that aimed to capture change and adaptation to program implementation. Twenty-five one-to-one interviews and 12 focus groups took place over the 3 years of program delivery. Participants included program participants, management, and service deliverers. Results: Program adaptations that were captured through the ongoing process evaluation included changes to the design of promotional material, program delivery content, ongoing training in behavior change, and the addition of regular participant community events. The authors address how these strands evolved over program delivery, and how the process evaluation was able to capture them. Conclusion: The pragmatic evaluation approach enabled changes in response to the local context, as well as improvements in the program to be captured in a timely manner, allowing the delivery to be responsive and the evaluation flexible.

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Outcomes of Participation in a Community-Based Physical Activity Program

Frontiers in Public Health ◽

10.3389/fpubh.2019.00225 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

Author(s):

Michelle Arnett ◽

Sarah E. Toevs ◽

Laura Bond ◽

Elizabeth Hannah

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Program ◽

Community Based ◽

Activity Program

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La Vida Caminando: A Community-Based Physical Activity Program Designed by and for Rural Latino Families

Journal of Health Education ◽

10.1080/10556699.1999.10603423 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 30 (sup2) ◽

pp. S13-S17 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Kathleen Grassi ◽

Maria Guadalupe Gonzalez ◽

Patricia Tello ◽

Gary He

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Latino Families ◽

Physical Activity Program ◽

Community Based ◽

Activity Program

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Mixed method evaluation of a community-based physical activity program using the RE-AIM framework: Practical application in a real-world setting

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-015-2466-y ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Harriet Koorts ◽

Fiona Gillison

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Real World ◽

Mixed Method ◽

Physical Activity Program ◽

Practical Application ◽

Method Evaluation ◽

Community Based ◽

Activity Program ◽

Real World Setting

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Experiences and perceptions of referrals to a community-based physical activity program from cancer survivors: A qualitative exploration

10.21203/rs.3.rs-124403/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jamie M Faro ◽

Kristin M Mattocks ◽

Dalton Mourao ◽

Catherine S Nagawa ◽

Stephenie C Lemon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Cancer Survivors ◽

Physical Activity Program ◽

Medical Providers ◽

Community Based ◽

Program Staff ◽

Activity Program ◽

Electronic Referral ◽

Program Awareness ◽

Electronic Referrals

Abstract Background Physical activity rates in cancer survivors continue to be low despite the known benefits and availability of evidence-based programs. LIVESTRONG at the Y is a national community-based physical activity program offered cost-free to cancer survivors, though is underutilized. We explored perceptions and experiences of staff and participating survivors to better understand program awareness, referrals and participation. Methods LIVESTRONG at the Y program staff [directors (n = 16), instructors (n = 4)] and survivors (n = 8) from 8 United States YMCAs took part in 30-minute semi-structured phone interviews. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and evaluated using a thematic analysis approach. Results and Discussion Program staff themes included: 1) Program awareness should be further developed for both the general public and medical providers; 2) Strong relationships with medical providers increased program referrals; 3) Electronic referral systems between providers and LIVESTRONG would help to streamline the referral process; and 4) Bi-directional communication between program staff and medical providers is key to providing patient progress updates. Survivor themes included: 1) Survivors trust their medical team and the information they provide about physical activity; 2) Providers need to incorporate an action plan and referrals for survivors to be active once treatments are completed; and 3) Personal experiences of those who participated in LIVESTRONG resonate with survivors and increase participation. Conclusions LIVESTRONG staff reported the need for an integrated electronic referral system and bi-directional communication with providers about participant progress. Survivors want physical activity education, electronic referrals and follow-up from their healthcare team, coupled with peer support from other survivors. Cancer care provider knowledge and electronic referrals during and after treatment may expedite and increase participation in this community-based program.

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