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Here are some ways in which patient aftercare can help achieve these goals:

1. Education and Information: Providing patients with comprehensive education and information about the importance of exercise and the benefits it offers can enhance their understanding and motivation to engage in regular physical activity. This can be done through brochures, pamphlets, educational videos, or one-on-one discussions with healthcare professionals.
2. Personalised Exercise Plans: Tailoring exercise plans to suit each patient's individual needs and preferences can significantly improve their engagement and adherence. A healthcare professional can work closely with the patient to develop a plan that takes into account their specific health condition, fitness level, available resources, and any limitations they may have.
3. Setting Realistic Goals: Setting realistic and achievable exercise goals is crucial to maintaining patient engagement. The goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time- bound (SMART). By breaking down larger goals into smaller milestones, patients can experience a sense of accomplishment, which encourages them to continue their exercise regimen.
4. Monitoring and Feedback: Regular monitoring of a patient's progress and providing feedback can greatly improve exercise adherence. Healthcare professionals can track the patient's physical activity levels, provide feedback on their achievements, and offer suggestions for improvement. This feedback loop helps patients stay accountable and motivated.
5. Behaviour Change Strategies: Incorporating behaviour change strategies into aftercare can be highly effective in promoting exercise adherence. Techniques such as motivational interviewing, goal-setting, self-monitoring, and problem-solving can empower patients to overcome barriers, build self-efficacy, and establish lasting exercise habits.
6. Follow-up Appointments: Scheduling regular follow-up appointments allows healthcare professionals to assess the patient's progress, address any concerns or challenges, and reinforce the importance of exercise. These appointments provide an opportunity for ongoing support, guidance, and adjustment of the exercise plan as needed.
7. Communication and Support: Effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients is crucial for maintaining engagement and adherence. Providing ongoing support, answering questions, addressing concerns, and acknowledging the patient's efforts can go a long way in fostering a positive patient-provider relationship and enhancing patient motivation.
8. Utilising Technology: Leveraging technology can enhance patient aftercare by providing tools for tracking physical activity, offering reminders, and delivering educational content. Mobile apps, wearable devices, and online platforms can facilitate self-monitoring, provide exercise routines, and send automated reminders to help patients stay on track.

Recognising the points above, we wondered how common it is for clinics to engage in the following:

• Set goals with each client.
• Regularly contact clients soon after an appointment, monitoring symptoms and goals.
• Set future appointments soon after their initial assessment to improve adherence and goal success.
• Monitor symptoms between appointments.
• Encourage self-monitoring with a client App.
• Communicate with clients the day before their follow-up appointments to boost motivation.

By incorporating these strategies into patient aftercare, healthcare providers can greatly improve patient engagement in exercise adherence and appointment adherence, leading to better overall health outcomes.