The RCGP has announced physical activity and lifestyle as a clinical priority for the next three years.
The programme will aim to support GPs to manage and prevent lifestyle-related diseases, by providing ‘focused, reliable evidence-based information’ to GPs. It is in partnership with the Nuffield Department of Primary Care and Health Sciences, University of Oxford.
Dr Zoe Williams, one of the clinical champions for the scheme said: ‘Despite one in six deaths being preventable by increasing physical activity, GPs often feel ill equipped, due to lack of training, time and incentives, to discuss physical activity levels with patients.’
‘I’m delighted to take up this role and over the next three years aim to influence general practice staff and patients alike to make improvements to their lifestyle, and in doing so reduce demand on primary care, and the wider NHS, at a time when workload pressures are overbearing,’ she added.
Current RCGP clinical priorities include autism spectrum disorders, cancer, end of life care, liver disease and mental health.
