Physical activity education in the undergraduate curricula of all UK medical schools. Are tomorrow's doctors equipped to follow clinical guidelines?

• Published in: British journal of sports medicine Vol. 46; no. 14; pp. 1024 - 1026
• Main Authors: Weiler, Richard, Chew, Stephen, Coombs, Ngaire, Hamer, Mark, Stamatakis, Emmanuel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine 01.11.2012; BMJ Publishing Group; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; BMJ Group
• Subjects: Chronic illnesses; Clinical Competence - standards; Clinical practice guidelines; Core curriculum; Curricula; Curriculum - standards; Disease prevention; Education, Medical, Undergraduate - methods; Exercise; Guideline Adherence; Health care; Health care policy; Health education; Humans; Medical education; Medical schools; Medical students; Medical treatment; Original; Physical education; Physical Education and Training; Physical fitness; Physicians; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Preventive medicine; Primary care; Public health; Questionnaires; Schools, Medical - standards; Teaching; Teaching - methods; Time Factors; United Kingdom; United Kingdom > UK; England
• ISSN: 0306-3674; 1473-0480
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091380

Physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone of disease prevention and treatment. There is, however, a considerable disparity between public health policy, clinical guidelines and the delivery of physical activity promotion within the National Health Service in the UK. If this is to be addressed in the battle against non-communicable diseases, it is vital that tomorrow's doctors understand the basic science and health benefits of physical activity. The aim of this study was to assess the provision of physical activity teaching content in the curricula of all medical schools in the UK. Our results, with responses from all UK medical schools, uncovered some alarming findings, showing that there is widespread omission of basic teaching elements, such as the Chief Medical Officer recommendations and guidance on physical activity. There is an urgent need for physical activity teaching to have dedicated time at medical schools, to equip tomorrow's doctors with the basic knowledge, confidence and skills to promote physical activity and follow numerous clinical guidelines that support physical activity promotion.