EUPAP Implementation in Malta
This will be the first time that Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) will be implemented in Malta. They have chosen to target patients with obesity and diabetes, due to the high prevalence in the Maltese population.
In Malta, approximately 41% of children and 69% of adults have overweight or obesity; and according to the International Diabetes Federation, 10% of all 20-79 years-old in Malta have diabetes. Even though there is overwhelming evidence that regular physical activity has wide-ranging health benefits, the WHO Global Health Observatory (GHO) estimates for Malteses adults (aged 18+ years) show that 59% meet the WHO recommended physical activity levels for health.
General Practitioners and Physiotherapists have received training to become prescribers in the EUPAP project. As part of the pre-implementation process, resources were prepared both for the professionals and for their clients who will receive PAP. The prescription form and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire will facilitate PAP prescription and help the prescriber keep track of the clients’ progress, while the activity diary will allow clients to set their targets and goals and track their progress. Informative leaflets will provide guidance both for professionals and clients about type, amount and intensity of physical activity.
Malta will start implementing PAP in February 2022.
For further information, you can contact Ms Roberta Zarb Adami by email roberta.a.zarb-adami@gov.mt.
The picture collage below shows the resources which were prepared by the EUPAP implementation team in Malta to facilitate Physical Activity Prescription.
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