Spreading the EIM Initiative Globally
The EIM Global Network is coordinated by the EIM Global Center based in the United States, managed by the American College of Sports Medicine. The EIM Global Center collaborates with global leaders in health care, medicine, public health and health & fitness to establish EIM National Centers that adapt and translate the EIM initiative to their local context. To date, the EIM initiative has spread to more than 35 countries worldwide. Key functions of an EIM National Center include:
- Establishing relationships with national health care and fitness organizations;
- Training health care providers and exercise professionals to implement EIM in their country;
- Integrating EIM into local and national health care settings; and
- Linking patients from health care systems with local community resources to assist individuals in filling their exercise “prescriptions”
EIM National Centers are hosted by nationally recognized organizations or institutions, such as universities, professional associations, or health systems. The management and direction of each EIM National Center is guided by a multi-disciplinary advisory board that consists of representatives from:
- national primary care associations,
- leading medical, sports medicine or health care associations,
- academic institutions,
- national health and fitness associations,
- and, when possible, Ministries of Health and National Public Health Institutes.
Establishing an EIM National Center
Partners initiate the process of forming an EIM National Center through a structured process working with a wide array of leaders from across the country, with the goal to establish EIM as a permanent initiative in the country. Through the establishment of ‘EIM National Centers’, we seek to expand the vision of EIM globally and ensure that physical activity assessment and promotion become a standard in clinical care, connecting patients with evidence-based physical activity resources for people everywhere of all abilities.
If you are interested in bringing EIM to your country, following is a step-by-step guide to developing an EIM National Center. As you go through these steps, do not hesitate to reach out via email if you have any questions.
The EIM Global Network is an international network that connects people and organizations across countries to collaborate, share knowledge, and create global impact. Within a country, an EIM National Center is formed to coordinate national efforts to bring together leaders in medicine, public health, physical activity, and health policy as part of a coordinated effort to integrate physical activity into healthcare systems. Click here to read more about the role and function of an EIM National Center.
Review the EIM Global Network to see if an EIM National Center currently exists in your country. If an EIM National Center exists in your country, we encourage you to contact their leadership team through the ‘Send Email’ link to see how you can get involved. If there is no National Center listed for your country, proceed to Step 3.
If no EIM National Center exists in your country, we invite you to submit an Expression of Interest. Your expression will be reviewed by ACSM/EIM leaders, who will reach out to you regarding the next step(s) in the formation process. This might include connecting you with other leaders interested in forming an EIM National Center and/or arranging an introductory virtual meeting.
Download the EIM National Center Launch guide, which outlines the process of bringing together a coalition of interested leaders and organizations to serve as an initial task force, identify a host institution, and formalize an EIM National Center. Share the Guide with your newly forming coalition and carefully review it for tips on building a strong foundation and activating your EIM National Center.
During the formation of your EIM National Center, representatives from the EIM Global Network will work closely with you through each step of the process to provide technical support in helping you establish a strong foundation. This may also include an introductory presentation to key stakeholders on the mission, vision, and purpose of EIM, and key considerations for establishing an EIM National Center.
Once you have completed the steps outlined in the Launch Guide, you will be asked to complete the EIM National Center Launch Documentation. This form provides you with an opportunity to describe the structure, function, and goals of your newly forming EIM National Center. Following submission, the EIM Global team will reach out to arrange a meeting to discuss your plans (e.g., your leadership structure, host institution, advisory board, future goals) to ensure you are well-positioned for future success.
Newly forming EIM National Centers will carefully review the ACSM/EIM service agreement and identify any questions that arise. A meeting with ACSM/EIM leadership can be arranged to ensure that all parties are comfortable with the agreement and ready to move forward.
The signing of the service agreement will be completed electronically, with representatives from the host institution providing their electronic signature, along with the ACSM Chief Executive Officer (CEO), signifying the official formation of the EIM National Center.
Following the signing of the service agreement, a virtual meeting will be scheduled with the newly formed EIM National Center. The meeting will focus on reviewing how the EIM Global Center can optimally support the success and impact of the new EIM National Center, and clarifying future roles and responsibilities. A follow-up meeting will be scheduled six months later to review progress and address any next steps.
Support for the Exercise is Medicine® Initiative is provided by:
