Abstract
Recognizing the disconnect between the knowledge of exercise’s utility in medicinal treatment and the lack of exercise prescription in practice, multiple researchers have conducted studies to evaluate practitioner attitudes and experience towards discussing physical activity. Implementing Exercise is Medicine at BYU Student Health Center (IRB2024 – 294) is one such study directed towards Brigham Young University’s integrated health center. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the likelihood of implementing Exercise is Medicine at the Student Health Center (SHC) with the intent of identifying barriers to implementation and brainstorming actionable solutions. METHODS: The electronic survey titled EIM Implementation Survey for Clinicians at BYU Student Health Center, or EIM at BYU, was distributed to primary care practitioners at SHC to gauge physician awareness and attitudes using multiple choice, Likert scales, and free response. Mixed qualitative methods were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: Only 4 of 13 practitioners responded to the survey, but their responses matched well with the findings of previous research. They reported positive attitudes towards discussing physical activity and implementing principles of exercise as medicine; however, the reported confidence and frequency of implementation was limited. CONCLUSION: There is a likelihood for the acceptance of ACSM’s Exercise is Medicine On Campus. Successful implementation will depend on ensuring clear resources and training for the physicians, regular communication between SHC and the Department of Exercise Sciences, as well as possible systemic changes to allow physicians more time to counsel patients and refine their skills
Recommended Citation
Romero, Destiny Rose; Parcell, Allen C.; Hager, Ron; and Christensen, Mandy
(2025)
"Implementing Exercise is Medicine at BYU,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14:
Iss.
5, Article 22.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss5/22