The elements of cross-sectoral collaboration between primary care and the sports sector

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to define the critical elements of collaboration between primary care and the sports sector to better answer the challenge of physical inactivity. The study also sheds light on how this collaboration could be further developed in the relevant organisations.

Research methods: The data was collected from health care professionals (n=58), physical activity counsellors (n=8) and potential clients of physical activity counselling (n=13) using a questionnaire, observation of workshops, and focus group interviews.

Results and findings: The common objective of the role of physical activity promotion and managerial support create the foundation for a counselling and referral process. At the employee level, attitudes towards physical activity, knowledge about physical activity, and the social skills are emphasised. The physical activity promotion process needs to be continuously evaluated based on objectives formulated by professionals and other stakeholders.

Implications: Managerial actions, such as communication about the essence of physical activity promotion, creation of roles and responsibilities and facilitation of collaboration between professionals enhance collaboration.

Research contribution: There are lack of research on partnership-related processes in the collaboration between the primary care and the sports sector. This paper contributes by presenting a practical case of such collaboration.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical activity counselling
• sports sector
• health professional
• physical activity counsellor
• cross-sectoral collaboration

Acknowledgements

The author thanks the co-workers in Motion! project who gave valuable ideas and comments for planning and carrying out the questionnaire, focus group interviews and workshops. The author is grateful for the health care professionals, physical activity counsellors and potential clients of physical activity counselling who answered the questionnaire and participated in focus group interviews and workshops. The Motion! Project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme. Amer Cultural Foundation supported the manuscript preparation phase.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author thanks the co-workers in Motion! project who gave valuable ideas and comments for planning and carrying out the questionnaire, focus group interviews and workshops. The author is grateful for the health care professionals, physical activity counsellors and potential clients of physical activity counselling who answered the questionnaire and participated in focus group interviews and workshops. The Motion! Project was funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Regional Council of Päijät-Häme. Amer Cultural Foundation supported the manuscript preparation phase.