The views of GPs about using sit–stand desks: an observational study

Background

Occupational sitting is associated with negative health outcomes. Sit–stand workstations have been shown to reduce sitting time in office workers, although there is no evidence on whether this change to practice would be acceptable to GPs.

Aim

To investigate GPs views about the use of sit–stand desks within general practice and the potential impact they may have on the nature and quality of consultations with adult patients.

Design & setting

Observational study involving GPs located across the UK.

Method

An online survey was emailed to members of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and shared on social media. Only GPs working in the UK were eligible. The survey included questions on socio-demographics, GPs views about the use of sit–stand desks within their work, their levels of physical activity, total time spent sitting at work each day, and time spent at work.

Results

14 142 surveys were sent by the RCGP to their members with 810 GPs responding, with a further 33 responding via social media. 60.6% of GPs would like a sit–stand desks in their consultation room, while 19.2% already had one. Most GPs thought sit–stand desks could be used for telephone consultations (91.9%) and administration tasks (92.3%). There was less agreement about whether they could be used during face-to-face consultations (35.0% agreed), with the potential impact on the doctor–patient relationship raised as the primary concern.

Conclusion

The implementation of sit–stand desks had support from GPs, but their possible impact on the doctor–patient relationship should be considered in future research.