Patients aren’t always open to change
It is important to recognise that there are times when patients are more or less open to a conversation about their physical activity behaviour. Sometimes patients aren’t ready for this conversation because they’re already at risk of information overload, their immediate priorities are elsewhere, they’re dealing with powerful emotions, they are coming to terms with new identities, or because they are too unwell.
“The patient has to hear a bunch of things. And what is most likely to get heard is what is relevant to their agenda. So, a patient’s willingness to hear advice about movement is related to whether or not it’s relevant to their issue right now.” Consultant
“There’s the body image side of it too… where they want to do it but are thinking: I don’t want anybody to see me in a swimsuit or gym wear, or, I don’t want people to stare at me. ” Outpatient Physio
“They’re not at their normal yet. We’re catching them at this point where they’re trying to rehabilitate and get back to a place where they’re at a point where they are ready to then increase their physical activity.” Physiotherapy Assistant.
“If you do raise the subject of physical activity, they can be very, very angry about that. You know, I’m telling you I’m in agony and you’re telling me to do more.” Rheumatology ANP
“You’ve got to remember that they’ve gone into that session, having not necessarily been diabetic for very long and they say, oh okay so I’ve got to do finger-pricking, now I’ve got to count my carbohydrates. Oh, now you’re telling me I’ve got to do exercise too? It’s really overwhelming.” Research Midwife
It makes sense to identify times when patients might be more open to consider changing their behaviour.
“It definitely is relevant where people are more well, you’re thinking about discharging them soon and helping to get them towards that point.” Foundation Doctor