New physical activity prescription cards launched to support active lifestyles
- The Health Improvement Commission has introduced physical activity prescription cards.
- The cards aim to encourage healthcare professionals to support patients in becoming more active.
- They facilitate discussions on how to incorporate movement into daily routines.
- Two versions of the cards include space for personalised goals and conversation prompts.
- These resources tie into broader efforts to embed physical activity in healthcare.
The Health Improvement Commission has unveiled a new resource aimed at promoting active lifestyles for patients through the use of physical activity prescription cards.
These cards are designed to help healthcare professionals to start conversations about the advantages of physical activity and aiding patients in identifying achievable ways to incorporate more movement into their daily lives.
“Being active is the biggest benefit a person can make to their health and well-being, it doesn’t have to be much, starting with just 10 minutes a day can make a huge difference," said Dr Laura Bell, a GP.
She emphasised that the initiative encourages health professionals to have more focused conversations with patients, empowering them to discover methods to increase their daily activity levels tailored to their individual needs.
There are two variants of the prescription card. One offers space for healthcare professionals to record personalised activity objectives, enabling a collaborative approach between the patient and the provider to set realistic goals, such as participating in a local group or engaging in regular walks.
The second version contains prompt phrases, including “Being active could help with…” and “Something you could try is…”, aimed at fostering supportive discussions about how physical activity can improve specific health parameters.
The cards also encompass vital information, including the UK Chief Medical Officers’ physical activity guidelines, a summary of the benefits tied to physical activity, and a QR code connecting users to a variety of free online resources for activities.
“These cards are part of a wider initiative to embed physical activity into everyday healthcare. We know physical activity can play a key role in both the prevention and management of a wide range of health conditions—from heart disease to depression," said Sam Green, Adult Physical Activity Officer at The Health Improvement Commission.
He noted that feedback from patients regarding the usefulness of tangible materials following consultations was instrumental in the development of these cards, ensuring they deliver practical support for encouraging active living.
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