Francis Albert - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Francis Albert

PLOS ONE

Physical activity (PA) has been identified as an essential tool for the prevention and management... more Physical activity (PA) has been identified as an essential tool for the prevention and management of multi-morbidity in patients. Coordination of patients’ care through interventions like physical activity referral schemes (PARS) could foster the utilization of PA. This study explored the views of General Practitioners (GPs) and Exercise Physiologists (EPs) as key stakeholders, for optimizing patient care and efficiency of PARS. Sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used to explore the perceptions of these health professionals on PA and coordination strategies for PARS patient care. Data analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics for questionnaires and theoretical framework analysis for the semi-structured interviews. Participants demonstrated a good knowledge of PA and valued PARS. However, the findings unravelled external factors, inter-organisational mechanisms, and relational coordination obstacles that hinder efficient coordination of PARS patient care a...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020

Physical activity (PA) is a cost-effective and non-pharmacological foundation for the prevention ... more Physical activity (PA) is a cost-effective and non-pharmacological foundation for the prevention and management of chronic and complex diseases. Healthcare professionals could be viable conduits for PA promotion. However, the evidence regarding the effectiveness and benefits of the current forms of PA promotion are inconclusive. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions on key determinants impact on the optimum promotion of PA were explored in this review. Thirty-four (34) studies were identified after systematically searching seven databases for peer-reviewed articles published within the last decade. PA advice or counselling was the most recorded form of PA promotion, limited counselling time was the most reported obstacle while providing incentives was viewed as a key facilitator. There is widespread consensus among healthcare professionals (HCPs) on some aspects of PA promotion. Utilisation of all PA promotional pathways to their full potential could be an essential turning point to...

Frontiers in Public Health, 2020

Background: Physical activity (PA) is vital to maintaining good health. However, WHO estimates th... more Background: Physical activity (PA) is vital to maintaining good health. However, WHO estimates that 60% of the world's population are inadequately active. To enhance PA, Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS) have been established by some countries. Objective: This study examined the functionality of the PARS process across different countries. Methods: This systematic review was performed and reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Sixteen electronic databases were searched from January 1990 to May 2020. PARS studies, published in English language and in peer-reviewed journals, that reported adherence, outcomes, disease conditions, interventions, facilitators and barriers, were included in this review. Results: Twenty-seven studies conducted across eight countries met the inclusion criteria. Most patients were referred for sedentary/inactivity reasons and supervised group-based activities was the most used intervention. Participants' average adherence rate was 77.5%. Adherence was either facilitated or hindered by type of support provided during and after intervention period. Inclusion of PA allied health specialist in the intervention enhanced positive health outcomes. Conclusion: PARS is a key driver and motivator for individuals to undertake and adhere to PA interventions. Utilization of guidelines on evidence-based interventional PA for different types of diseases, effective use of common group supervised activities and the involvement of PA specialists may aid PA adherence and foster positive health outcomes.

THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA I... more THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE, DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION FACULTY OF EDUCATION AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

Evidence-based strategies are needed to curb the growing cases of physical inactivity related mor... more Evidence-based strategies are needed to curb the growing cases of physical inactivity related morbidities. Delivering holistic care through collaborative shared decision making could boost the effectiveness of physical activity referral schemes (PARS) and foster the quality of care for patients with multimorbidity. A qualitative study involving semi-structured telephone interviews was utilised to gain insights from Australian PARS stakeholders (general practitioners, exercise physiologists, and patients). A pluralistic evaluation approach was employed to explore and integrate participants’ opinions and experiences of PARS and their recommendations were used to develop a model for quality care delivery in PARS initiatives. Five overarching themes: promote, relate, incentivise, communicate, and educate were identified as the ‘PRICE’ for developing effective and functional PARS programmes that foster quality patient care. It was evident that PARS programmes or policies aimed at optimis...

PLOS ONE

Physical activity (PA) has been identified as an essential tool for the prevention and management... more Physical activity (PA) has been identified as an essential tool for the prevention and management of multi-morbidity in patients. Coordination of patients’ care through interventions like physical activity referral schemes (PARS) could foster the utilization of PA. This study explored the views of General Practitioners (GPs) and Exercise Physiologists (EPs) as key stakeholders, for optimizing patient care and efficiency of PARS. Sequential explanatory mixed methods design was used to explore the perceptions of these health professionals on PA and coordination strategies for PARS patient care. Data analyses included descriptive and inferential statistics for questionnaires and theoretical framework analysis for the semi-structured interviews. Participants demonstrated a good knowledge of PA and valued PARS. However, the findings unravelled external factors, inter-organisational mechanisms, and relational coordination obstacles that hinder efficient coordination of PARS patient care a...

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020

Physical activity (PA) is a cost-effective and non-pharmacological foundation for the prevention ... more Physical activity (PA) is a cost-effective and non-pharmacological foundation for the prevention and management of chronic and complex diseases. Healthcare professionals could be viable conduits for PA promotion. However, the evidence regarding the effectiveness and benefits of the current forms of PA promotion are inconclusive. Healthcare professionals’ perceptions on key determinants impact on the optimum promotion of PA were explored in this review. Thirty-four (34) studies were identified after systematically searching seven databases for peer-reviewed articles published within the last decade. PA advice or counselling was the most recorded form of PA promotion, limited counselling time was the most reported obstacle while providing incentives was viewed as a key facilitator. There is widespread consensus among healthcare professionals (HCPs) on some aspects of PA promotion. Utilisation of all PA promotional pathways to their full potential could be an essential turning point to...

Frontiers in Public Health, 2020

Background: Physical activity (PA) is vital to maintaining good health. However, WHO estimates th... more Background: Physical activity (PA) is vital to maintaining good health. However, WHO estimates that 60% of the world's population are inadequately active. To enhance PA, Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS) have been established by some countries. Objective: This study examined the functionality of the PARS process across different countries. Methods: This systematic review was performed and reported in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Sixteen electronic databases were searched from January 1990 to May 2020. PARS studies, published in English language and in peer-reviewed journals, that reported adherence, outcomes, disease conditions, interventions, facilitators and barriers, were included in this review. Results: Twenty-seven studies conducted across eight countries met the inclusion criteria. Most patients were referred for sedentary/inactivity reasons and supervised group-based activities was the most used intervention. Participants' average adherence rate was 77.5%. Adherence was either facilitated or hindered by type of support provided during and after intervention period. Inclusion of PA allied health specialist in the intervention enhanced positive health outcomes. Conclusion: PARS is a key driver and motivator for individuals to undertake and adhere to PA interventions. Utilization of guidelines on evidence-based interventional PA for different types of diseases, effective use of common group supervised activities and the involvement of PA specialists may aid PA adherence and foster positive health outcomes.

THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA I... more THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE, DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL AND HEALTH EDUCATION FACULTY OF EDUCATION AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2021

Evidence-based strategies are needed to curb the growing cases of physical inactivity related mor... more Evidence-based strategies are needed to curb the growing cases of physical inactivity related morbidities. Delivering holistic care through collaborative shared decision making could boost the effectiveness of physical activity referral schemes (PARS) and foster the quality of care for patients with multimorbidity. A qualitative study involving semi-structured telephone interviews was utilised to gain insights from Australian PARS stakeholders (general practitioners, exercise physiologists, and patients). A pluralistic evaluation approach was employed to explore and integrate participants’ opinions and experiences of PARS and their recommendations were used to develop a model for quality care delivery in PARS initiatives. Five overarching themes: promote, relate, incentivise, communicate, and educate were identified as the ‘PRICE’ for developing effective and functional PARS programmes that foster quality patient care. It was evident that PARS programmes or policies aimed at optimis...