Pedometers in health care settings

Primary care pedometer pack - PCPP

About the pack

With physical activity so high on the healthcare agenda, Paths to Health created a tool that can be used by health professionals to promote walking through the use of pedometers. The Primary Care Pedometer Pack (PCPP) aims to give health professionals a tangible product to help engage inactive patients in physical activity while providing patients with a way to monitor their activity levels through the use of pedometers.

The pack comprises:

A briefcase-style container
10 Pill boxes each holding a pedometer and lanyard, so the patient can attach the pedometer to their waistband. The pill boxes come with a light-hearted health message stating ‘Side effects include mood improvement, increased energy levels, stress reduction and maintenance of healthy weight. Do not swallow’.
Pack guidance detailing how to administer the pack including information on who to target, promoting the pack, handing out pedometers and following up patients.
A sign-out pad for health professionals to record who they have given pedometers to and why, and when to follow up patients.
Step card pack each containing a 12 week step count card, advice about walking for health and pedometer instructions. The step count card includes instructions on how to set personal, progressive step goals which are calculated from each individual's starting step counts.

Training is a key part of the pack and is provided to give health professionals enough knowledge and information to feel confident about using the pack with patients. The pack is user friendly and aims to enhance the work of health professionals.

How to get a pack

We are keen to hear from health professionals who could use the pack to encourage patients/clients to become more active. For information on how to apply for a pack please click here to download an application form and guidance notes or contact amanda.mckay@pathstohealth.org.uk