Integrating an Internet Walking Program into Family Medicine
Author Information
Author(s): Goodrich David E, Buis Lorraine R, Janney Adrienne W, Ditty Megan D, Krause Christine W, Zheng Kai, Sen Ananda, Strecher Victor J, Hess Michael L, Piette John D, Richardson Caroline R
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Can an online interface for primary care providers effectively refer patients to an Internet-mediated walking program and monitor their progress?
Conclusion
Providers successfully referred patients using the SUH provider interface, but were less willing to monitor patient compliance in the program.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients increased walking by an average of 1493 steps/day from pre- to post-intervention.
- 27% of referred patients enrolled in the intervention.
- Providers emphasized the need for alerts for patients not meeting goals.
Takeaway
Doctors can help patients walk more by using a special online program, but they often forget to check how the patients are doing.
Methodology
The study used a two-phased, mixed-method design involving provider input for interface development and evaluation of the SUH intervention's feasibility.
Potential Biases
Providers expressed concerns about their physical activity counseling skills, which may affect referral rates.
Limitations
The study did not use a randomized controlled trial design and had a short follow-up period, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
{"mean_age":45.2,"gender_distribution":{"female":65,"male":35},"race_distribution":{"white":91.9,"black":5.4,"american_indian":5.4},"education":{"high_school_or_less":8.2,"some_college":45.9,"college_or_graduate_degree":45.9},"bmi":40.7}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.01
Statistical Significance
p < 0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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