QuickChange: A collaboratively produced interactive animation enhancing the promotion and encouragement of daily movement
Martha-Jane Powell, Senior Health Promotion Practitioner, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Introduction
Children's physical activity (PA) levels are declining globally, harming physical and mental health. In Wales, only 51% of children aged 3-17 meet WHO PA guidelines and more than one in four children (aged 4-5 years) are overweight or obese, with rising rates post-pandemic.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board saw increased cases of foot pain in young children due to inactivity. In response, an innovative digital solution was developed, turning podiatry exercises into interactive animations. The aim, aligned to the Duty of Quality standards was to create daily movement opportunities for 300 children (4-6 years) in Cardiff and Vale classrooms within six months.
Methods
Project leads from public health and podiatry collaborated to develop a service improvement product, securing funding through the health board's prevention and early years initiative and partnering with local private animators to create a branded animation incorporating podiatry exercises and interactive characters.
Through the Improving Quality Together (IQT) framework and using the Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) model, the team engaged NHS clinical and non-clinical staff, local authority education colleagues, and schools throughout the project. Stakeholder meetings were held at each stage to ensure the product’s quality, consistency, and timely creation and piloting. The piloting of QuickChange took place between November 2022 and February 2023.
Outcomes
- 281 children participated, just short of the 300 target due to pupil absences.
- 84% of children reported high satisfaction; 16% found some exercises too tiring or hard.
- 100% of teachers found QuickChange easy to implement; 80% want it embedded in the curriculum.
- Overall consensus was that QuickChange could be used alongside other daily physical activity interventions.
- Increased confidence and positive impact on children's physical capabilities.
- Schools are happy to continue using QuickChange and welcome progression exercises.
Learnings
- Collaboration across clinical, non-clinical, and education sectors has allowed different perspectives
- Complementary roles focused on encouraging movement with a preventative approach.
- The need for permission, commitment and more dedicated time for clinicians to engage in prevention techniques fully.
- Intervention is still being developed and tested across diverse populations to increase movement opportunities.
What next?
- Spread and scale to expand QuickChange across Wales and beyond.
- New connections formed to increase access and inclusivity, benefiting future generations.
- Plans to explore QuickChange as a patient engagement tool in various healthcare pathways.
- Commitment to ensuring the product meets the needs of all children, including those with special needs and disabilities.
