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Evaluating the scaling up of an effective implementation intervention (PACE) to increase the delivery of a mandatory physical activity policy in primary schools

Authors :
Alix Hall
Cassandra Lane
Luke Wolfenden
John Wiggers
Rachel Sutherland
Nicole McCarthy
Rebecca Jackson
Adam Shoesmith
Christophe Lecathelinais
Penny Reeves
Adrian Bauman
Karen Gillham
James Boyer
Patti-Jean Naylor
Nicola Kerr
Nicole Kajons
Nicole Nathan
Source :
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, Vol 20, Iss 1, Pp 1-14 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
BMC, 2023.

Abstract

Abstract Background Physically Active Children in Education (PACE) is an effective implementation intervention for increasing the number of minutes classroom teachers schedule physical activity each week. To date, evaluations of PACE have included a smaller number of schools from only one region in New South Wales Australia. If PACE is to have population-wide benefits we must be able to deliver this support to a larger number of schools across multiple regions. This study aimed to evaluate the scale-up of PACE. Methods An uncontrolled before and after study, with 100 schools from three regions was conducted. Participating schools received PACE for approximately 12 months. We assessed the following outcomes: delivery of the evidence-based intervention (EBI) (i.e. minutes of physical activity scheduled by classroom teachers per week); delivery of the implementation strategies (i.e. reach, dose delivered, adherence and indicators of sustainability); and key determinants of implementation (i.e. acceptability of strategies and cost). Data were collected via project officer records, and principal and teacher surveys. Linear mixed models were used to assess EBI delivery by evaluating the difference in the mean minutes teachers scheduled physical activity per week from baseline to follow-up. Descriptive data were used to assess delivery of the implementation strategies and their perceived acceptability (i.e. PACE). A prospective, trial-based economic evaluation was used to assess cost. Results Delivery of the EBI was successful: teachers increas their average minutes of total physical activity scheduled across the school week by 26.8 min (95% CI: 21.2, 32.4, p 50% of schools adhered to the majority of strategies (11 of the 14 components); and acceptability was > 50% agreement for all strategies. The incremental cost per additional minute of physical activity scheduled per week was $27 per school (Uncertainty Interval $24, $31). Conclusions PACE can be successfully delivered across multiple regions and to a large number of schools. Given the ongoing and scalable benefits of PACE, it is important that we continue to extend and improve this program while considering ways to reduce the associated cost.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14795868
Volume :
20
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.71ee08a9d14b68aa5895cf2b76dd03
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-023-01498-y