Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Exercise has a positive effect on health, which has already been proven in many studies. Doctors have an important role in helping patients to get more exercise. Against this background, the preventive model project "Exercise on Prescription" (RfB) was launched in Germany in 2009. This allows doctors to give their patients a prescription for exercise. In Baden-Württemberg, this offer was tested in 4 regions from 2015 to 2016. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of the RfB by doctors in Baden-Württemberg at the end of the trial phase by means of qualitative interviews of physicians participating in the program in 2017. METHODS: The telephone interviews were conducted using a structured interview guide. RESULTS: The qualitative survey showed a positive attitude of the physicians towards the RfB. The lack of local offers and the lack of direct cost reimbursement by the statutory health in-surances were cited as inhibiting factors for the issuance of the RfB. Further influencing factors were the self-motivation of the patients and the anticipated probability of implementation. CONCLUSION: The present qualitative survey not only documented the obstacles to RfB being issued by doctors and the patients' implementation of the physical activity recommendations, but also beneficial factors with regard to the future use of the RfB outside the model project.