Abstract
Aim: To measure the physical, cognitive and social activity levels of patients admitted to rehabilitation units in regional areas. A secondary aim was to explore differences in activity levels across different diagnostic groups.
Design: An observational study using behavioural mapping was conducted in two inpatient general rehabilitation wards,at regional hospitals in NSW. Patient activity was mapped every 15 minutes, over a 12-hour period, on two, nonconsecutive days. The percentage of the day spent in physical, cognitive or social activities was recorded. In addition, the patients’ location and interacting personnel were recorded.
Results: Fifty-six participants across the following diagnostic groups were observed: stroke, brain injury, neurological,spinal cord injury, orthopaedic, reconditioning, pain and other. A total of 2285 observations were made. Patients wereobserved being active physically for 12.5% of their day, socially for 23.6%, and cognitively for 7.6% of their day. Patientswere observed engaged in no-activity 29.3% of their day. There was no statistically significant difference between thediagnostic groups and activity categories. The majority of time patients were in their bedroom (74.9%) and alone(51.6%).
Conclusion: Patients can spend a large proportion of their time inactive and alone in rehabilitation. In order to maximiseoutcome, rehabilitation units can look at new opportunities to maximise activity and promote engagement. Enrichingrehabilitation environments is an area for future study.
Design: An observational study using behavioural mapping was conducted in two inpatient general rehabilitation wards,at regional hospitals in NSW. Patient activity was mapped every 15 minutes, over a 12-hour period, on two, nonconsecutive days. The percentage of the day spent in physical, cognitive or social activities was recorded. In addition, the patients’ location and interacting personnel were recorded.
Results: Fifty-six participants across the following diagnostic groups were observed: stroke, brain injury, neurological,spinal cord injury, orthopaedic, reconditioning, pain and other. A total of 2285 observations were made. Patients wereobserved being active physically for 12.5% of their day, socially for 23.6%, and cognitively for 7.6% of their day. Patientswere observed engaged in no-activity 29.3% of their day. There was no statistically significant difference between thediagnostic groups and activity categories. The majority of time patients were in their bedroom (74.9%) and alone(51.6%).
Conclusion: Patients can spend a large proportion of their time inactive and alone in rehabilitation. In order to maximiseoutcome, rehabilitation units can look at new opportunities to maximise activity and promote engagement. Enrichingrehabilitation environments is an area for future study.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 103-104 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 17 Oct 2019 |
| Event | Australian Physiotherapy Association Transform 2019 Physiotherapy Conference - Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide, Australia Duration: 17 Oct 2019 → 19 Oct 2019 https://transform.physio/#program |
Conference
| Conference | Australian Physiotherapy Association Transform 2019 Physiotherapy Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | A little knowledge can transform the profession. |
| Country/Territory | Australia |
| City | Adelaide |
| Period | 17/10/19 → 19/10/19 |
| Internet address |