Accelerating the translation of findings from the MoTrPAC study to benefit clinical care: a qualitative analysis

Abstract

The Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) is a large-scale research study aimed at elucidating the effects of exercise training on the molecular mechanisms underlying the health benefits of exercise and physical activity. To take a first step toward achieving a goal of rapid dissemination, a qualitative analysis among frontline clinicians was conducted to identify the perceived clinical relevance of exercise research, MoTrPAC discoveries, and optimal ways to disseminate these results to key stakeholders. Methods: A convenience sample of 12 clinicians in internal medicine, family medicine, and emergency medicine agreed to participate in one-on-one interviews. Interviews were conducted over the phone by a member of the Wake Forest Qualitative and Patient-Reported Outcomes (Q-PRO) Shared Resource. Transcripts were stored and coded in ATLAS.ti version 24 software. Two Q-PRO members developed code summaries, which were synthesized into themes and organized using principles of reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Clinicians (n = 12) were predominantly male (n = 7), non-Hispanic White (n = 5), located in California (n = 10), and practiced in a Primary Care/Family Medicine setting (n = 6). Clinicians reported underuse of exercise testing due to provider-level and patient-level barriers. While they valued exercise research, they emphasized the need for clear, practical takeaways and preferred direct dissemination strategies. Conclusions: These interviews highlighted the variable nature of exercise research dissemination and implementation and are the first steps toward shaping the dissemination of valuable scientific discoveries from the MoTrPAC study.