Bize, RaphaëlRaphaëlBizeCornuz, JacquesJacquesCornuzMartin, Brian WBrian WMartin2024-11-192024-11-1920071422-064410.24451/arbor.11105https://doi.org/10.24451/arbor.11105https://arbor.bfh.ch/handle/arbor/30623Little is known about the opinions, beliefs and behavior of Swiss physicians regarding physical activity (PA) promotion in a primary care setting. A qualitative study was performed with semistructured interviews. We purposively recruited and interviewed 16 physicians in the French speaking part of Switzerland. Their statements and ideas regarding the promotion of PA in a primary care setting were transcribed and synthesized from the tape recorded interviews. The main findings are presented in the following by thematic categories: – Screening for sedentary lifestyle and counseling practices. History regarding PA was consequently taken with new cases, but not in a systematic manner. Counseling was more likely to be delivered if other cardiovascular risk factors were present. – Counseling techniques and how to learn them. Practical education on motivational interviewing techniques and on the use of topic-specific tools was advocated. According to some interviewees, more emphasis should be put on well-being as a motivational tool, rather than on disease prevention. – Barriers to counseling. Lack of time, lack of reimbursement, lack of clear guidelines. – Interventions advocated by general practitioners for PA promotion in a primary care setting. Screening for sedentary lifestyle, booklets accompanying physician counseling, patient orientation to structured PA programs or to specially trained counselors. – Effectiveness of counseling. Most physicians described themselves as rather pessimistic in their perception of counseling effectiveness. We conclude that in order to find wider acceptance in primary care settings, the conception of PA promotion should take into account physicians’ barriers, and involve them in the development of a training curriculum.enPrimary care Health promotion Physical activity Counselingarticle