Newcastle University work with Rise to put physical activity on the curriculum for future doctors

The healthcare professionals of the future now have the confidence and skill to tell their patients about the benefits of physical activity – thanks to Rise helping to introduce new training for students.

Rise, a leading health and wellbeing charity, has made Physical Activity Clinical Champions (PACC) training part of the course for pre-clinical Year 1 students studying medicine and dietetics at Newcastle University.

Research shows that 1 in 4 people would be more active if advised by a GP or nurse – but up to 80% of GPs have said they do not speak about the benefits of physical activity to patients, with more than half saying they have no specific training on physical activity in patient care.

In response, Rise worked with Newcastle University to increase knowledge of the benefits of physical activity in the next generation of healthcare professionals.

PACC training is an education programme for health and care professionals, that has been tailored for Year 1 medical and dietetic students.

It covers how physical activity has significant benefits for patients’ health and can help to prevent and manage many chronic conditions and diseases, as well as improve mental health and social inclusion.

Jade Scott, strategic lead for place at Rise, said: “Rise is proud to be able to empower the health workforce to use physical activity as part of routine practice – and improve the health of their patients.

“Embedding PACC training into the curriculum at Newcastle University, will mean that healthcare professionals of the future will have the confidence and knowledge to be able to advise their patients on the benefits of physical activity. The cost of an inactive population to the NHS is thought to be just under £1billion - so not only will better advice help patients live longer, healthier lives, but help support and reduce demand on the NHS.”

Liam Isaac, sport partnerships and development manager at Newcastle University, adds: “It’s been great to work in partnership with Rise on this initiative to supplement the learning of students in the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS). Thanks to Rise and Drs Jessica Harris and Georgie Sowman for delivering, and colleagues in FMS for embedding this opportunity into the module.”

“It’s been really useful”

Around 95% of students who took part said that they felt more able and confident about promoting physical activity to patients after the training than they had before.

Cerys Davies and Sophie Blake-James are currently studying medicine at Newcastle University and recently undertook the PACC training. They were then invited to observe sessions as part of 'Every Move Matters’ - Rise's community-based programme that works with patients to improve their physical and social wellbeing and manage conditions such as menopause, frailty, and back pain.

Cerys said: “I think it’s important as a medical student to understand and take a more holistic view of treatment. For example, at a diabetes clinic, patients might be advised about the different drugs they can take but not physical activity as something to sit alongside that.

Apart from the great experience visiting these sessions with patients, it’s really shown me the importance of empathy for patients and that we need to listen to their experiences and understand where they’re coming from. Everyone is different and there is a wide variety of perspectives. It’s been really useful.”

Sophie said "Although I knew before, and everyone knows, that physical activity is good for you, I feel like this experience has given me tools and resources to be able to facilitate exercise. It’s a good tool to have under your belt.

And it’s shown me how important these sessions are as a way to give patients a sense of community and socialising alongside the physical benefits.”