Introduction: Exercise is Medicine (EIM) is a physical activity (PA) promotion strategy designed for use in clinical and community settings. Purpose: The purpose of this feasibility study was to test the integration of the Physical Activity Vital Sign into a mobile health unit (the Wellness Bus) and examine the potential of the EIM process to support promotion of other behavioral and psychosocial outcomes. Methods: Using an integrated research–practice partnership approach, the My Own Health Report tool, including the Physical Activity Vital Sign, was added to the Wellness Bus intake process to examine feasibility, prevalence of meeting recommended behavioral guidelines, and differences across demographic subgroups. Prevalence differences across subgroups were analyzed using robust Poisson regression. Interviews and rapid qualitative analysis of Wellness Bus staff ( n = 4) perceptions of feasibility were thematically coded using the Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model. Results: Over 3 months, all 389 Wellness Bus visitors (84% Hispanic/Latino, 46% females, 67% uninsured) completed the full assessment, and over 90% provided valid responses to PA questions. Most participants did not meet PA (75% inactive or insufficiently active) or dietary recommendations based on fruit and vegetable (59%) or sugary beverage (52%) intake. Participants who were female, Hispanic/Latino, or uninsured were less likely to meet PA guidelines (all P ’s < 0.05). Qualitative data indicated that the tool was acceptable to staff and integrated well into the workflow, with suggestions for improved referral processes and resource linkage. These findings highlight both the feasibility of implementation and the need for structured health behavior supports. Conclusion: This study demonstrates how an integrated research–practice partnership and Practical Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model-informed strategy enabled the integration of EIM screening into a mobile health unit’s workflow. Future research should prioritize building referral linkages to evidence-based PA programs to fully realize the potential of EIM for underserved populations.
Estabrooks et al. (Wed,) studied this question.