ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the exercise referral process and explains the differences between referral and recommendation. A formal agreement needs to exist between the referrer and the referral programme or an individual exercise specialist prior to the start-up of any programme. The Medical Protection Society Statement, whilst outdated, highlights some key issues that exercise referral practitioners should be aware of: The MPS endorses the provision of supervised exercise sessions for patients and appreciates that general practitioners have an important role in facilitating the use of exercise programmes. A flow chart’s purpose is to highlight all the considerations and identify the appropriate action, ensuring that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. It is important that the exercise referral professionals are aware of the boundaries of their role and qualification and are able to make the appropriate decisions and, when required, refer the person to a more appropriate professional.
