Using the toolkit

It is recognised that capacity, resources and funding vary across schemes and that some schemes are struggling to implement elements of the National Quality Assurance Framework and consequently may struggle to adopt some of the recommendations set out within the toolkit.

The toolkit is not designed as a 'blueprint' for how exercise referral schemes must be designed, implemented and evaluated; it offers some best practice principles for all those involved in the delivery, management and commissioning of exercise referral schemes. It is for individual schemes to consider whether the implementation of these principles will improve the design, delivery and effectiveness of their scheme, given the capacity and resources available.

Many schemes may already be meeting the recommendations outlined within the toolkit, in which case the toolkit can be used as a resource for professionals to take a fresh look at their scheme or as a guide for on-going reflection.

photoThe toolkit is divided into several sections:

  • Section 1: Background technical report: outlining the rationale for the toolkit and the developmental process.
  • Section 2: A snapshot of exercise referral schemes operating in England, Scotland and
    Northern Ireland during 2006-2008.
  • Section 3: A synopsis of exercise referral research.
  • Section 4: A quick reference guide to exercise referral schemes for referring healthcare professionals.
  • Section 5: Guidance for exercise professionals working with referred patients.
  • Section 6: Guidance for exercise referral scheme coordinators.
  • Section 7: A guide to commissioning exercise referral schemes.
  • Section 8: A guide to evaluating exercise referral schemes.
  • Section 9: A qualifications and training guide.

The final section of the toolkit, the appendices, includes sample forms, templates letters, tools and questionnaires.