Garner, Jon, and Smith, Moira (2021) Activity levels of inpatients admitted to two rehabilitation units in regional hospitals: an observational study. Australian Journal of Rural Health, 29 (3). pp. 399-407.

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Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to measure the activity levels of patients admitted to adult general inpatient rehabilitation units in regional areas. These included physical, social, cognitive and self-care activities. A secondary aim was to explore differences in activity levels across different diagnostic groups.

Design: An observational study using behavioural mapping. Patient activity was mapped every 15 minutes, over a 12-hour period (07:00-19:00), on two, non-consecutive days.

Setting: 2 inpatient rehabilitation units, inner regional NSW.

Participants: All patients were admitted for rehabilitation in an adult general rehabilitation unit. Patients presented with diverse diagnoses (eg neurological, musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases). The sample had a mean age of 74.4 years with a range of 33-96 years.

Main outcome measures: 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 8 diagnosis groups were observed. A total of 2285 observations were made. Patients were observed being active physically for 10% of their day, socially active for 23%, and cognitively for 6%. Patients engaged in other activities such as watching TV or eating 21% of their time, and completing self-care activities 7% of their time. Patients were inactive for 27% of their day. There was no statistically significant difference between the diagnostic groups and activity categories.

Conclusion: Patients spent a large proportion of their time inactive and alone in rehabilitation. In order to maximise outcome, rehabilitation units can look at new opportunities to maximise activity and promote engagement.

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