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Article
Publication date: 17 October 2008

Stef P.J. Kremers, Marieke A.M. Dijkman, Judith S.B. de Meij, Merlin E. Jurg and Johannes Brug

The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the extent to which Dutch children are aware of their own physical activity level, and to what extent children's physical…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain insight into the extent to which Dutch children are aware of their own physical activity level, and to what extent children's physical activity is habitual. Special attention was paid to the potential moderating effect of “awareness” and “habit strength” on the association between psychosocial factors and exercise behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered on 419 Dutch children, aged eight to 13 years, with self‐administered questionnaires in which demographic variables, reported physical activity levels, psychosocial factors and levels of awareness and habit strength were assessed.

Findings

Children with high awareness of personal behaviour and high habit strength were reported to be more physically active. Furthermore, psychosocial factors were less associated with physical activity in children with low awareness of their personal physical activity levels and in children for whom physical activity was strongly habitual than in children with high awareness or with low habit strength concerning physical activity.

Research limitations/implications

The paper uses self‐reports to measure physical activity, which gives less accurate information on physical activity behaviour than objective measures. Furthermore, the cross‐sectional nature of this study design precludes the authors from inferring causal relationships between psychosocial factors and physical activity behaviour.

Practical implications

For promoting physical activity in children to be successful, it is important that education is first aimed at raising awareness levels. Besides, strengthening the habitual nature of physical activity in children might help to establish higher levels of physical activity.

Originality/value

The study indicates the importance of the concepts “awareness” and “habit strength” in physical activity behaviour. It offers useful information for designers of interventions to improve physical activity in children.

Details

Health Education, vol. 108 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

Keywords

Abstract

Purpose

Integrated care models have shown to deliver efficient healthcare, but implementation has proven to be difficult. The Support Consultation is an integrated care model, which enables full integration by bundled payment, insurer involvement, predefined care pathways and strengthening of primary care. The purpose of this paper is to provide an indication of the improvements in healthcare delivery after implementation of this proposed model and to create a base for extension to similar interfaces between primary and secondary care.

Design/methodology/approach

A retrospective study was used to compare the effect on the number of referred patients with non-acute cardiac complaints and the cost effectiveness before and after implementation of the Support Consultation. Patients who previously would have been referred to the cardiologist were now discussed between general practitioner and cardiologist in a primary care setting.

Findings

The first consecutive 100 patients (age 55±16 years, male 48 percent), discussed in the Support Consultation, were analyzed. Implementation of the Support Consultation resulted in a net costs (program costs and referral costs) reduction of 61 percent compared with usual care. All involved parties were positive about the program.

Research limitations/implications

The Support Consultation has the ability to provide more effective healthcare delivery and to reduce net costs. The setting of the current study can be used as example for other specialties in countries with a similar healthcare system.

Originality/value

This study provides the potential cost savings after implementation of an integrated care model, based on real-life data.

Details

Journal of Integrated Care, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1476-9018

Keywords

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