Public management and policies
Including physical education professionals in the Colombian health care system: a governance approach
Incluir profesionales en educación física en el sistema de salud colombiano: enfoque desde la gobernanza
Inclusão de profissionais da educação física no sistema de saúde colombiano: uma abordagem de governação
By:1Jefferson García Buitrago; 2Raúl Andrés Tabarquino Muñoz
1 PhD in Administration with a focus on Governance and Public Policies, Universidad del Valle. Faculty Member at Universidad del Valle. ORCID: 0000-0002-7793-5336. E-mail: jefferson.garcia.buitrago@correounivalle.edu.co. Cali – Colombia.
2 PhD in Administration, Universidad del Valle. Full Professor at Universidad del Valle. ORCID: 0000-0002-7866-1875. E-mail: raul.tabarquino@correounivalle.edu.co. Cali – Colombia.
Received: May 9, 2024 Approved: November 28, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22267/rtend.252601.271
How to cite this article: García, J. & Tabarquino, R. (2025). Including physical education professionals in the Colombian health care system: a governance approach. Tendencias, 26(1), 216-242. https://doi.org/10.22267/rtend.252601.271
Abstract
Keywords: public management; public policies; disease prevention; health promotion; health policy.
JEL: I18; I31; I38; M1.
Resumen
Introducción: La integración de los profesionales en educación física en el sistema de salud colombiano, emerge como una estrategia clave de promoción de la salud pública.Este artículo de investigación explora la importancia de la integración de estos profesionales desde un enfoque de gobernanza. Objetivo: El objetivo principal es examinar la integración de profesionales de educación física dentro del sistema de salud colombiano desde la perspectiva de la gobernanza. Metodología: Se empleó un análisis descriptivo y una revisión documental para explorar la literatura existente en la integración de profesionales en educación física en el sistema de salud colombiano. Resultados: Los resultados destacan la capacidad de estos profesionales para ofrecer intervenciones preventivas y terapéuticas basadas en el ejercicio físico, así como su potencial para promover un enfoque holístico de la salud. Además, la integración de profesionales en educación física en el sistema de salud requiere un marco normativo claro, una coordinación efectiva entre los actores involucrados y una evaluación continua del impacto de sus intervenciones en la salud pública. Conclusiones: Esta investigación subraya la importancia de abordar este tema desde la gobernanza para lograr resultados óptimos en términos de promoción de la salud y prevención de enfermedades.
Palabras clave: gestión pública; políticas públicas; prevención de enfermedades; promoción de la salud; política de salud.
JEL: I18; I31; I38; M10.
Resumo
Introdução: A integração dos profissionais de educação física no sistema de saúde colombiano surge como uma estratégia fundamental de promoção da saúde pública. Este artigo de pesquisa explora a importância da integração desses profissionais a partir de uma abordagem de governança. Objetivo: O objetivo principal é examinar a integração dos profissionais de educação física no sistema de saúde colombiano a partir de uma perspectiva de governança. Metodologia: uma análise descritiva e uma revisão de documentos foram usadas para explorar a literatura existente sobre a integração dos profissionais de educação física no sistema de saúde colombiano. Resultados: os resultados destacam a capacidade desses profissionais de oferecer intervenções preventivas e terapêuticas com base no exercício físico, bem como seu potencial para promover uma abordagem holística da saúde. Além disso, a integração dos profissionais de educação física ao sistema de saúde exige uma estrutura regulatória clara, uma coordenação eficaz entre os atores envolvidos e uma avaliação contínua do impacto de suas intervenções na saúde pública. Conclusões: Esta pesquisa destaca a importância de abordar essa questão a partir de uma perspectiva de governança, a fim de obter os melhores resultados em termos de promoção da saúde e prevenção de doenças.
Palavras-chave:gestão pública; política pública; prevenção de doenças; promoção da saúde; política de saúde.
JEL: I18; I31; I38; M10.
Introduction
In the process of designing effective strategies to promote health and well-being, it is essential to explore and understand the guidelines and regulations that govern practices in the health sector. In this regard, this research article will focus on two key documents: Perfiles y Competencias Profesionales en Salud [Professional Profiles and Competencies in Health] (2016) and Resolution 3280 of 2018, issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MinSalud, 2016; 2018).
These documents provide a detailed overview of the competencies and professional profiles within the health sector, as well as specific guidelines for the promotion and maintenance of health in certain populations. This analysis identifies the direct connection between these regulations and physical activity, intending to gather essential insights to propose the inclusion of physical education professionals within the national health system from a governance perspective to achieve optimal results in health promotion and disease prevention.
The focus of the analysis will be on promoting physical activity as a key component of health and disease prevention. Furthermore, from the governance perspective of physical activity, the effective integration of physical education professionals into the Colombian health system is proposed. These professionals would be responsible for guiding all matters related to physical activity. This approach aims not only to enrich the work of health professionals but also to optimize the implementation of physical activity promotion strategies for the entire population, thus contributing to a significant improvement in the overall well-being of the country.
Methodology
The methodology employed is qualitative in nature, and the main techniques used were document review and analysis (Creswell, 2013) related to governance for physical activity and physical activity within the health system, based on institutional documents. The analysis is characterized as descriptive-analytical (Hernández, 2014), to construct a coherent argument that supports the integration of physical education professionals within the Colombian health system.
The operationalization of the methodological analysis addressed challenges and strategies related to inclusion and formalization, enhancing the effectiveness of the document analysis process (Alamilla et al., 2023; Moreno et al., 2021). This approach aims to shed light on the complexities of governance and the importance of physical activity in social policies, emphasizing the need for a well-structured and technically sound justification for the integration of professionals into Colombia’s health system (Forberger et al., 2022).
To address the integration of physical education professionals into the Colombian health system, the qualitative methodology was enriched with an exhaustive documentary review approach. This analysis includes public policies, local and international regulations, and guidelines from health organizations, providing a theoretical framework that supports the understanding of governance in physical activity and its relevance in the healthcare field (Forberger et al., 2022).
The review of institutional documents, such as Resolution 3280 of 2018, was key in identifying gaps and opportunities that could benefit from greater inclusion of physical activity in public health. The analysis was structured through thematic categories, allowing the examination of specific aspects of governance and the implementation of policies within the context of health and physical activity, contributing to a robust interpretation of the strategies needed to strengthen the health system.
The operationalization of the analysis included the identification of challenges and specific strategies related to the implementation and formalization of these professionals within the healthcare field, focusing on the necessary competencies and potential areas of intervention. Factors such as resource availability, social and professional perceptions of physical activity, and regulatory barriers were considered in order to construct a viable proposal for integration into the health system.
Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted with international reference models that have implemented similar strategies on governance in physical activity, allowing for the extraction of lessons applicable to the Colombian context (Alamilla et al., 2023). This methodological approach aims not only to theoretically ground the proposal but also to provide a practical analysis of the necessary changes to optimize public health through a well-structured intervention in physical activity
Results
This research examines governance in the field of physical activity, focusing on the profiles and competencies required in the health sector in Colombia. Through the analysis of institutional documents, international references are explored, and the incorporation of a new profession into the national health system is proposed, based on governance principles, aiming to provide significant benefits to the sector and address the challenges involved in innovation within the professional competencies structure.The results presented below follow the structure shown in Table 1.
Table 1
Structure of the presented reflections
Structure |
Themes |
Theoretical Position |
|
Analysis of Institutional Documents |
|
Proposal |
|
Source: Prepared by the authors.
As shown in the table, the results presented are the product of a document analysis from the theoretical perspective of governance for physical activity in the context of the Colombian national health system. This is based on a solid conceptual framework of governance in the field of physical activity (Cox et al., 2011; García and Tabarquino, 2024; Mariñez, 2016; Pan American Health Organization [PAHO], 2021). Additionally, the documents Professional Profiles and Competencies in Health and Resolution 3280 of 2018 (MinSalud, 2016; MinSalud, 2018) were analyzed in-depth, identifying provisions related to the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles at different life stages.
Through this analysis, a significant gap in the system is observed: the absence of specialized physical education and physical activity professionals within the health team. The reflections presented propose strategies to integrate these professionals into the national health system, based on international models and the benefits of physical activity for public health. Furthermore, it offers an innovative vision to improve the promotion of physical activity from a public health perspective in Colombia.
Governance for Physical Activity
The proposal to include physical education professionals in the profiles and professional competencies of the Colombian national health system is closely related to the governance of physical activity. The governance of physical activity involves coordinating policies, strategies, and actions to enhance participation in physical activity at the population level (Forberger et al., 2022; Pedersen, 2023). This coordination is crucial for implementing public policies aimed at promoting physical activity (Kamada, 2020). Governance networks and effective collaborations are essential for developing coordination strategies for patient care in physical activity programs by health professionals (Albert et al., 2022).
Furthermore, it is necessary to develop population-based strategies that effectively promote exercise to reduce the burden of physical inactivity (Woods et al., 2022). It is also important to evaluate government policies and actions aimed at creating a healthy environment that encourages exercise, emphasizing governance to promote these activities at the political level (MinSalud y Protección Social, 2017).
One way to address this issue is through governance, which seeks the participation of different social actors (Aguilar, 2019), fostering collaboration and intersectorality in the solution (Fernández et al., 2020; Mariñez, 2016). Thus, governance for physical activity, according to García and Tabarquino (2024):
Refers to the way decisions are made and managed regarding the promotion, organization, and development of physical activity and sports in a given community, region, or country. It involves the interaction of various actors from both the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, to create policies, programs, and strategies that encourage the regular and safe practice of physical activity.
Table 2
Approaches to Governance for Physical Activity
Approach |
Description |
Intersectoral Approach |
Governance promotes collaboration between different sectors, allowing physical education professionals to integrate with the health, education, and sports sectors. |
Evidence-based Policies |
Provides a framework to develop public health policies based on scientific evidence regarding the benefits of physical activity, supporting the inclusion of experts in the field. |
Participation of Multiple Actors |
Encourages the participation of diverse stakeholder groups. Physical education educators could have a voice in decision-making regarding health and wellness programs. |
Capacity Building |
Governance emphasizes the importance of strengthening the system’s capacities. This would justify the training and hiring of physical education professionals within the health system. |
Prevention Focus |
Aligns with the competencies of physical educators in promoting active and healthy lifestyles by prioritizing prevention and health promotion |
Resource Allocation |
Provides a framework for the equitable distribution of resources, which could include allocating funds for physical activity programs and hiring professionals. |
Monitoring and Evaluation |
Establishes mechanisms to assess the impact of interventions, allowing the measurement of the effectiveness of physical activity programs led by these professionals. |
Local Adaptation |
Allows strategies to be tailored to specific contexts, facilitating the implementation of physical activity programs suitable for different Colombian communities. |
Integration into Primary Care |
Provides a framework for integrating the promotion of physical activity into primary health care, where physical educators could play a crucial role. |
Addressing Social Determinants |
By considering the social determinants of health, it justifies the inclusion of professionals capable of addressing sociocultural barriers to physical activity. |
Source: Prepared by the authors based on Antonio (2023), Ramirez et al. (2019), and Sallis et al. (2015).
Profiles and Competencies of Health Professionals
The health sector in Colombia is supported by the work of various professions that play a key role in the comprehensive care of the population. In the context of continuous improvement of the quality of health services, it is essential to define the specific profiles and competencies of each of these professions to ensure optimal care that meets the needs of society. In this context, the document aims to present the profiles and specific competencies of fifteen professions that address the health of Colombians (MinSalud, 2016).
These professions span a wide range of disciplines, each with its own set of skills and responsibilities in the health field. The professions, according to MinSalud [Colombian Ministry of Health] (2016), are as follows:
- Bacteriology
- Nursing
- Physical Therapy
- Speech Therapy
- Gerontology
- Surgical Instrumentation
- Medicine
- Nutrition
- Dentistry
- Optometry
- Psychology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Occupational Therapy
- Respiratory Therapy
- Social Work
Each of these professions plays a key role in different stages of the health system (promotion, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation), making a significant contribution to the well-being of the Colombian population. Through the clear definition of the profiles and specific competencies of these professions, the goal is to strengthen training, professional practice, and the provision of health services in line with the needs and demands of the health system in Colombia (MinSalud, 2016).
In addition to the specific competencies for each profession, transversal competencies are also mentioned. The analysis performed focused only on the relationship between transversal and specific professions that include physical activity or sport.In the transversal competencies, there is no direct link with physical activity or sport; the main focus is on transversal competencies such as ethics, teamwork, effective communication, and others, which are generally applicable to all professions in the health sector in Colombia (MinSalud, 2016).On the other hand, of the 15 specific professions, three have a direct role in the orientation, guidance, and development of physical activity. In Table 3, each of them is described according to MinSalud (2016):
Table 3
Professions and Specific Competencies Related to Physical Activity
Profession |
Specific Competencies in Physical Activity |
Physical Therapy |
Specific competencies in physical activity and sport: Design, evaluate, control, and promote physical activity, exercise, and sports programs aimed at improving health, performance, and building self-care capacity in individuals and communities (p. 93). |
Nutrition |
Specific competencies in physical activity and sport: Promote healthy habits and lifestyles from the perspective of nutrition and physical activity throughout the life course (p. 152). |
Medicine |
Specific competencies in physical activity and sport: Understand the determinants of the individual's and community's overall health. As a performance criterion, understanding the basic principles of prescribing physical activity (p. 281). |
Source: MinSalud (2016).
As shown in Table 3, Physical Therapy, Nutrition, and Medicine are the three professions responsible for physical activity in the Colombian national health system. However, a question for future research is whether the curriculum of these professions includes in-depth teaching of all aspects related to physical activity. This includes exercise prescription, and the development of plans and physical activity programs, based on physical training paradigms, while considering different population groups, objectives, and approaches for health and well-being as strategies for disease prevention.
On the other hand, physical education professionals, such as physical education teachers or sports professionals with an emphasis on physical activity, have a broader approach to physical activity in their curricula. They are trained in exercise prescription, planning training sessions according to the needs or goals of population groups, and a stronger focus on physical activity for health and well-being (Congress of the Republic of Colombia, 1995; Congress of the Republic of Colombia, 2004; Law 181 of 2004; Law 934 of 2004; The Commonwealth & United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO], 2019; UNESCO, 2015a, 2015b).
However, the document does not specifically mention the profession of Physical Education Teacher or Sports Professional with an emphasis on Physical Activity, because currently, these professions are not directly related to the health sector in Colombia. The document focuses on the professions that play a direct role in health care, such as prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases and injuries.
This gap was identified in the research and is presented as a result of this article, which supports the proposal to include these professions within Colombia's health system.
Resolution 3280 of 2018 (Ruta Integral de Atención en Salud [Comprehensive Health Care Pathway])
First, it is important to clarify that there are different resolutions (Resolution 3202 of 2016, Resolution 276 of 2019, and Resolution 2626 of 2019) in the national health system that address care pathways and policies for comprehensive health care, which have now been modified by the Modelo de Acción Integral Territorial [Comprehensive Territorial Action Model] (MAITE). However, these do not have a direct relationship with physical activity; therefore, they were not considered in this analysis.
Only Resolution 3280 of 2018 was analyzed, as it has a direct relationship with physical activity in some of its sections. It also mentions physical activity within the technical and operational guidelines of the Ruta Integral de Atención en Salud.
In Table 4, the most relevant technical and operational guidelines of the Ruta Integral de Atención en Salud, as established by the resolution, that are related to physical activity are presented.
Table 4
Description, Responsibilities, and Purpose of Technical and Operational Guidelines
Technical and Operational Guideline |
Description |
Responsible Entities |
Purpose |
Implementation at all levels of healthcare |
The Ruta Integral de Atención en Salud must be applied from primary care to specialized care. |
Health institutions, health professionals, territorial entities |
Ensure access to health care at all levels, promoting continuity and coordination of services. |
Promotion of healthy habits and disease prevention |
Include in healthcare the promotion of habits such as physical activity, disease prevention, and early detection of risk factors. |
Health institutions, health staff, territorial entities, Health Promotion Entities (HPEs) |
Foster a culture of prevention and health promotion to reduce the incidence of diseases. |
Coordination and articulation with health system actors |
Implementation should be coordinated among service-providing institutions, territorial entities, and health promotion entities. |
Health institutions, HPEs, territorial entities |
Improve the effectiveness of health services through cooperation among different health system actors. |
Differential approach in healthcare |
Care should be adapted to the needs and characteristics of the population, including vulnerable groups such as children, adolescents, adults, and elderly people. |
Health institutions, HPEs, territorial entities |
Ensure that all population groups receive health care appropriate to their specific characteristics and needs. |
Continuous evaluation and monitoring |
The effectiveness and efficiency of the Ruta Integral de Atención en Salud must be evaluated and monitored constantly. |
Ministry of Health, territorial entities, health institutions |
Ensure continuous improvement in care processes and maintain a high standard of quality in health service delivery. |
Source: Prepared by the author based on MinSalud (2018).
As seen in the table above, the technical and operational guidelines of Resolution 3280 of 2018 establish different types of interventions to promote and maintain the health of individuals, families, and communities.
The interventions are classified into three categories: population-based, from the Plan de Intervenciones Colectivas [Plan of Collective Interventions] (PIC), and individual interventions from MinSalud.
Regarding physical activity, Resolution 3280 of 2018 emphasizes the importance of population-based interventions, which are structural and require the collaboration and joint work of multiple sectors for their implementation and execution. This means a multisectoral approach that involves different actors and entities to achieve the proposed objectives. Population-based interventions are directed and coordinated by the national government and regional and local authorities, according to their respective responsibilities and jurisdictions.
The scope of these interventions may vary, ranging from the national level to the departmental or municipal level, depending on the capacities and powers of each entity. Additionally, it is essential that these interventions be integrated into and reflected in territorial planning instruments, such as development plans, as well as other programs and strategies related to public health, to ensure their proper implementation and sustainability (MinSalud, 2018).
In addition to public policies, population-based interventions also aim to create or transform environments that promote health, well-being, and the holistic development of individuals (MinSalud, 2018). This involves the implementation of strategies focused on building infrastructure and generating conditions that are conducive to recreational, sports, physical, and leisure activities. Creating healthy environments is fundamental to promoting active lifestyles and preventing non-communicable diseases (OPS y Organización Mundial de la Salud [OMS], 2019; OMS, 2020).On the other hand, Resolution 3280 of 2018 emphasizes the importance of addressing healthy habits and practices, including physical activity, in health care across different stages of life (childhood, adolescence, youth, adulthood, and old age). The promotion of healthy lifestyles is considered a key element in primary care and disease prevention.In Table 5, the approach to physical activity at each stage of life is shown.
Table 5
Approach to Physical Activity at Different Stages of Life
Life Stage |
Approach to Physical Activity |
Childhood |
- Investigate and promote physical activity habits. - Encourage play and other activities that promote physical activity. - Promote personal hygiene. |
Adolescence |
- Emphasize meeting the minimum physical activity recommendations by WHO. - Include physical activity as an integral part of physical and psychosocial development in health promotion content. |
Youth |
- Provide information on regular physical activity. - Link physical activity with healthy eating practices. - Connect physical activity with the prevention of diseases associated with this stage. |
Adulthood |
- Investigate physical activity practices. - Promote an active and healthy lifestyle. - Relate physical activity to the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. - Address physical activity in relation to other habits such as tobacco or alcohol use. |
Old age |
- Investigate physical activity considering the fragility of this stage. - Promote physical activity as a means of preventing conditions that limit functionality. - Integrate physical activity with other healthy habits suitable for this stage of life. |
Source: Prepared by the authors.
Therefore, Resolution 3280 of 2018 proposes population-based and informational interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, including physical activity, as a fundamental part of health promotion and maintenance within the population. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of intersectoral governance to address the social and environmental determinants of health and emphasizes the need to encourage healthy habits at all stages of life.
International References
Additionally, the cases of professionals in sports sciences and physical activity, who are recognized and play significant roles in health promotion in various countries around the world, can also be considered as a reference.
Some countries where professionals in physical education, sports sciences, and physical activity are recognized and have significant roles in the national health system, playing a key role in promoting health and physical well-being, are shown in Table 6.
Table 6
Countries with Professionals in Physical Education, Sports Sciences, and Physical Activity
Country |
Role of Professionals in Physical Education, Sports Sciences, and Physical Activity |
Spain (Simón y López, 2020) |
- Work in various areas of health. - Participate in physical activity promotion. - Involved in disease prevention. |
United Kingdom (Sport England, 2024) |
- Work in the health system as advisors. - Participate in physical exercise programs. - Work with different population groups. |
Australia (Australian Government, 2020; Australian Sports Commission, 2024) |
- Play an important role in health and well-being promotion. - Work in community programs. - Participate in exercise clinics and health centers. |
United States (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2024) |
- Play a key role in physical activity and health promotion. - Work in clinical, community, and sports settings. - Include roles such as physiotherapists and certified personal trainers. |
Canada (OPS, 2021b) |
- Work in health centers. - Participate in rehabilitation programs. - Collaborate with community organizations to promote healthy lifestyles. |
Source: Prepared by the authors.
Including a New Profession in the National Health System from the Governance Perspective
Table 7
Governance Proposal for Physical Activity
Proposal |
Description |
Creation of an Intersectoral Committee |
Propose the creation of a committee that includes representatives from health, education, sports, recreation, and other relevant areas. This committee would design and implement strategies to integrate physical activity into the health system, with the participation of physical education professionals (OPS, 2021a). |
Development of Specialized Training Programs |
Propose the creation of specialized training programs for physical education professionals, focused on promoting physical activity as a key element in comprehensive health care. These programs would include disease prevention, rehabilitation through exercise, and the promotion of active and healthy lifestyles (Magnusson, 2007). |
Integration of Physical Activity Services in Health Centers |
Propose the integration of physical activity services in health centers, with physical education professionals providing advice, exercise prescription, and patient follow-up as part of comprehensive care (Pedersen, 2023). |
Use of Technologies and Digital Platforms |
Propose the development of digital platforms for the remote prescription and monitoring of physical activity programs by physical education professionals, facilitating access to these services for the population (Antonio, 2023). |
Partnerships with the Community and Private Sector |
Propose the creation of partnerships with the community, sports organizations, private companies, and other stakeholders to promote physical activity as part of a comprehensive health approach, involving physical education professionals in community initiatives and corporate social responsibility programs (Klijn & Koppenjan, 2015). |
Impact and Outcome Evaluation |
Propose the implementation of evaluation mechanisms to measure the impact of including physical education professionals in the health system, collecting data on improvements in population health, reduction of healthcare costs, and other relevant indicators. |
Source: Prepared by the authors.
Benefits of Including Professionals in the National Health System in Colombia
The integration of physical education professionals into Colombia's national health system is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they can design programs to prevent chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular problems, which would improve health promotion efforts (Molano et al., 2023; Ribeiro et al., 2023).Secondly, their inclusion ensures comprehensive care by addressing not only diseases but also promoting healthy lifestyles (Demydenko & Obeziuk, 2023). These professionals can assist in the rehabilitation and prevention of injuries through personalized exercise programs, which complement existing services (Soares & Damaceno, 2023). Moreover, their expertise encourages an interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration between different professions for comprehensive patient care (Rybalko, 2023).
Finally, promoting physical activity through expert professionals can yield significant public health benefits by reducing chronic diseases and improving overall quality of life (Karpiuk et al., 2023).
Therefore, integrating physical education specialists into the health system is vital to strengthen health promotion, disease prevention, rehabilitation, and comprehensive health care in Colombia.
Challenges of Including a New Profession in the National Health System
Table 8
Challenges
Challenge |
Description |
Legal and Regulatory Framework |
One of the main challenges is adapting the legal and regulatory framework to recognize and define the role of physical education professionals in the health system. |
Institutional Resistance |
There may be resistance from established health institutions and professionals due to rigid institutional structures. |
Funding |
Allocating resources for new professionals in an already financially pressured system is a significant challenge. |
Role and Competency Definition |
It is necessary to clearly define the roles and competencies of physical education professionals within the health system. |
Training and Education |
Adapting the training of physical education professionals to the public health and primary care context. |
Integration in Multidisciplinary Teams |
Achieving effective integration into existing health teams. |
Cultural and Perception Barriers |
Overcoming the perception that physical education is not an integral part of healthcare, i.e., changing perceptions about health promotion in Colombia. |
Geographic Inequalities |
Ensuring an equitable distribution of these professionals in both urban and rural areas, considering geographic disparities in access to healthcare services in Colombia. |
Impact Evaluation |
Developing mechanisms to measure the impact of including physical education professionals on health outcomes. |
Long-Term Sustainability |
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the inclusion of these professionals. |
Source: Prepared by the authors.
In the previous table, the challenges related to legal and regulatory aspects, funding issues, professional integration, training, and long-term sustainability are shown. It is essential to effectively address these challenges to successfully implement physical education professionals into Colombia's national health system.
Conclusions
This study has thoroughly examined the feasibility and potential benefits of incorporating physical education professionals into Colombia's national health system, using a governance approach for physical activity.
Through rigorous document analysis, a significant gap has been identified in the Colombian health system: the absence of professionals specialized in physical education within the health team. While some professions such as physiotherapy, nutrition, and medicine possess competencies related to physical activity, it has been noted that there is a lack of a profession specifically dedicated to this crucial aspect of public health.
The inclusion of physical education professionals in the health system has great potential to significantly improve the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles. This integration could substantially contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases and improve the quality of life of the Colombian population.
The proposal to include these professionals closely aligns with the principles of governance for physical activity, promoting intersectoral collaboration, the involvement of multiple stakeholders, and the development of policies based on scientific evidence.
The study has identified several countries where physical education and sports science professionals play significant roles in the health system, providing potential models for implementation in Colombia. The integration of these professionals could lead to more comprehensive care, better prevention and rehabilitation programs, and a more holistic approach to public health.
However, various challenges have been identified for their implementation, including legal and regulatory aspects, funding, integration into existing teams, and the need to transform perceptions about health promotion.
In light of the findings, it is recommended to develop a legal and regulatory framework that recognizes and defines the role of physical education professionals in the health system. Additionally, the implementation of pilot programs is suggested to evaluate the impact of including these professionals in different healthcare contexts.
It is imperative to foster collaboration between health, education, and sports institutions to develop specialized training programs that address the needs of the health system. Furthermore, awareness campaigns should be created to promote the importance of physical activity in public health, to facilitate the acceptance and understanding of this new professional inclusion.
It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this study. The research was primarily based on document analysis and did not include empirical data on the implementation of the proposal. Furthermore, given its focus on the Colombian context, the generalization of the findings to other countries may be limited. These limitations open the door for future lines of research that could significantly enrich the field.
In this regard, pilot studies are proposed to evaluate the impact of including physical education professionals at different levels of the Colombian health system. It is also suggested to investigate the perceptions of existing healthcare professionals about the integration of physical education teachers into their teams, which could provide valuable information to facilitate a smooth implementation.
An in-depth analysis of the identified international models could extract lessons applicable to the Colombian context, adapting best practices to the specificities of the national health system.It is recommended to explore the economic and human resource implications of the large-scale implementation of this proposal, which is essential to ensure its feasibility and long-term sustainability.
Therefore, this study provides a solid foundation for considering the inclusion of physical education professionals in Colombia's national health system. Despite the significant challenges identified, the potential public health benefits justify further exploration and gradual implementation of this proposal. The integration of these professionals could represent a significant step towards a more holistic and preventive approach to health in Colombia, thus contributing to improving the quality of life of the population and reducing the burden of chronic diseases in the country.
Ethical Considerations
Conflict of Interest
Author Contribution Statement
Funding Source
References