Physical Activity Counseling and Documentation by Pediatric Residents in Primary Care: Before and After Introduction of the FITT Principle

Abstract

Physician training on physical activity (PA) counseling in patient care is highly variable. The objective of this study was to improve PA counseling by pediatric residents through introduction of the four components of PA, called the FITT principle (frequency, intensity, time, type). Pediatric residents (n=30) received lectures, curriculum content, and an electronic smart-phrase addressing PA in obesity, including the FITT principle. Surveys assessed resident attitudes, and chart reviews (n = 423 over 16 months) identified evidence of PA counseling including FITT principle components preintervention and postintervention. Survey results showed positive attitudes and confidence regarding primary care provider roles in counseling on PA, with no differences postintervention. Chart reviews demonstrated increased documentation on PA frequency postintervention (pre 31.9% vs post 50.9%, P=.00006), but no significant changes in intensity, time or type. In conclusion, a focused PA curriculum promoted PA counseling by pediatric residents, with increased documentation of one component of the FITT principle.