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Table 2 Meaning units, codes and categories derived from the analysis

From: Physical activity on prescription (PAP) from the general practitioner’s perspective – a qualitative study

Meaning units

Code

Category

“We are supposed to work preventively, it’s one of our major tasks, yet it’s so difficult.” (B22)

Prevention is part of the task

The tradition makes it hard to change attitudes

“We are brought up to learn that diseases are treated by medical measures, which means that drugs often come first. Even if you try to change your attitude, the old ways hang on.” (B22)

Habitual behaviour

“We are schooled in a multitude of pills.” (A14)

Pharmacological training

“Since we don’t have much time to sit and talk about physical activity, I tend to refer patients to physiotherapists.” (B21)

Someone else’s task

Shared responsibility is necessary

“Physical activity is hard. Not everybody wants to take that path. You have to have the patient with you in all treatment contexts.” (B24)

Patient’s role and expectations

“Patients have said themselves in the last few months, ‘But can’t I have a prescription?’ It’s interesting that wishes are expressed to me but I wasn’t the one who mentioned it.” (B8)

“The structure of society can be changed by building cycle paths.” (C34)

Society’s attitude

“To get through as many patients as possible in as short a time as possible, that’s our role.” (C37)

High workload

PAP has low status and is regarded with distrust

“It’s easy to forget, quite simply, among all the pills.” (A15)

Low priority

“I suppose we’re not so convinced that it’s the actual PAP prescription that makes a difference.” (A19)

Scepticism about PAP

“I can find it a bit complicated as it has been done, five different mobile phone numbers to choose among.” (C12)

Vague routines

Lack of procedures and clear guidelines

“There’s no institution for prescriptions for physical activity corresponding to what there is for ordinary prescriptions.” (B14)

Unclear Processes