Barriers and facilitators to physical activity promotion in eyecare: a qualitative study of eyecare professionals’ perceptions

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the barriers and facilitators to implementing physical activity promotion into eyecare services, from the perspective of eyecare professionals. Subject and methods: Eleven eyecare professionals were recruited for qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes within the interview data. Results: Five themes which represented barriers to physical activity promotion were identified in the interviews: lack of time available to discuss physical activity, health and safety concerns, fear of creating a negative experience for the patient, lack of knowledge, and resistance from patients. Facilitators to physical activity promotion identified in the interviews were categorised into two themes: easy access to information about physical activity, and organisational change. Conclusion: To enable physical activity promotion in eyecare, individual and organisational change is required. Organisational change includes providing time and resources to enable physical activity promotion in eyecare. Individual change can be facilitated by providing training, which enables eyecare professionals to be confident providing physical activity advice.