Implementation of blended and combined exercise and nutrition programs for older adults: Perspective of allied health professionals in the Amsterdam metropolitan region

Purpose: Inter-professional collaboration and adaptation of e-health are
necessary to implement innovative exercise and nutrition interventions in
health practice. The aims of this qualitative study were 1) determine the
relevant factors related to successful inter-professional collaboration, and
2) determine the relevant factors for implementation and susceptibility of
our blended interventions in older adults, by allied health professionals in
the Amsterdam metropolitan region.
Methods: This explorative qualitative study was the next step in implementation,
subsequent to the VITAMIN RCT. We combined fourteen semistructured
interviews with dietitians with two focus-groups of mixed exercise
and physiotherapists. After each focus group and interview, the two researchers
evaluated and discussed the statements, factors and common beliefs
in relation to the research questions. Transcripts were analyzed with
MAXQDA software and open, axial and selective coding was adapted.
Results: In current practice inter-professional collaboration is not common,
mainly due to lacking knowledge about the other profession.
Location is a facilitator, as well is previous experience. External factors
as higher financial compensation to implement inter-professional work
meetings, were defined as possible facilitator to collaboration. Main encouraging
factors related to blended interventions were timesaving consults,
ability to reach immobile older adults and cost saving
healthcare. Main barrier was a lack of e-health literacy in older adults.
Conclusions: This study shows that the exercise and nutrition professionals
have a positive attitude towards future implementation of these
types of blended and combined interventions for older adults.
Furthermore, inter-professional collaboration is a point of attention in
our regional allied healthcare system.