Abstract
Background: The Miami Gerofit program developed ProActive Reach to increase referrals of telephone-delivered-physical activity counseling (TD-PAC) in partnership with rural providers (RP). Methods: Between 2015–2016, over 900 electronic medical records (EMRs) were reviewed by the Gerofit physician. Results: RP approved 302 referrals, 236 (78%) were reached, and 186 (79%) counseled. Of those counseled, 107 (58%) reported rates of resistance exercise increased from 2% to 38%. While effective, it was time-consuming and an automated screening model (ASM) was developed. Using the ASM, we searched EMRs to identify rural Veterans meeting health criteria for safe for TD-PAC. 674 flyers with invitations to receive individualized TD-PAC were mailed to Veterans associated with 6 Gerofit programs across the country. Response rates varied between 4 to 31% and different models of TD-PAC are being delivered. Implications: ASM may provide a way to deliver age appropriate PA materials for large numbers of Veterans throughout the country.