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Physical Activity Policy in Flemish Psychiatric Hospitals and Care Homes: A Qualitative Study of Implementation Facilitators and Barriers
Jan Verpoorten
Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, Belgium
Purpose: Physical activity benefits mental and physical health, yet its integration into psychiatric care remains limited. This study identifies key facilitators and barriers affecting physical activity policy implementation in Flemish Psychiatric Hospitals (PH) and Psychiatric Care Homes (PCH), and translates these into policy recommendations.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with managers from 12 purposively selected PH and PCH in Flanders (Nov 2025–Jan 2026). Data were analyzed thematically using MAXQDA.
Results: Four themes emerged. Organizations apply a broad lifestyle-oriented vision of physical activity, but levels of formalization vary. Barriers occur at societal, staff, resource, network, organizational, governmental and patient levels. Facilitators at the same levels show opportunities that often counter these barriers. Good practices include varied activities, playful or competitive elements, individualized support, low-threshold access and voluntary participation. These insights informed recommendations for clearer guidelines, stronger financial support, enhanced collaboration, platforms for sharing good practices, attention to lifestyle factors and stigma reduction.
Conclusions: Physical activity is acknowledged but unevenly implemented. Strengthened policy frameworks and multidisciplinary collaboration are needed to improve implementation.
Support/Funding Source: This study is part of a two-year project, Step by Step: for more physical activity in psychiatric care, funded by the King Baudouin Foundation, Mulders-Moonens Fund (024-J15812960-0022188).
