Canadian family medicine residency program survey of physical activity curriculum content

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) is an important contributor to the health of Canadians. However, the extent that PA is included in family medicine residents' education is largely unknown. This study surveyed curriculum experts in Canadian family medicine residency programs to understand what residents learn about PA and to what extent this varies across programs. Methods: Seventeen family medicine residency program websites were reviewed for information pertaining to their PA curriculum. Additionally, curriculum experts were asked to complete a survey to better understand the extent that PA curriculum is included in their programs. Results: Most (82.4%) of the eligible programs responded to the survey; of which, the majority (92.9%) indicated that residents learn that physical inactivity is a risk factor for chronic conditions, to incorporate into patient care plans, and to recommended PA as prevention for chronic diseases. However, half (50.0%) of the programs stated that they believe residents will be sufficiently prepared to incorporate PA in the care they provide patients, less than half (42.9%) teach PA guidelines, and few (21.4%) teach about PA referral to an allied health care provider or community program. Conclusions: The instruction about PA that family physicians receive in Canadian residency programs varied depending on the program. A standard to ensure residents are sufficiently and competently prepared to recommend and advise physical activity as treatment and prevention is needed. Additional studies are needed to understand the opinions and teachings of preceptors who may have an influence over the residency training of Canadian family physicians.