Nursing perspectives on reducing sedentary behaviour in sub-acute hospital settings: A mixed methods study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Sedentary behaviour among hospital inpatients is a persistent challenge in sub-acute care settings.
• Limited research exists on factors influencing nurses' efforts to reduce patient sedentary behaviour in these environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors affecting nurses' decisions and capabilities to decrease sedentary behaviour in sub-acute hospital inpatients.
• To explore nurses' perspectives on promoting reduced sedentary behaviour.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design was utilized, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection.
• An online survey of 138 nurses across Australia identified characteristics associated with promoting reduced sedentary behaviour.
• Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 11 nurses and nurse managers explored barriers and facilitators.

Main Results:

• Nurses acknowledged their role but encountered significant personal and organizational barriers to reducing patient sedentary behaviour.
• Awareness of national physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines was low among participating nurses.
• Key themes included the nursing role, care challenges, expectations, teamwork, and patient experience, revealing a lack of agency and cognitive dissonance.

Conclusions:

• Reducing inpatient sedentary behaviour is complex, influenced by multi-level factors.
• Organizational and clinical leadership are essential to foster an environment where staff feel empowered to address patient sedentary behaviour.
• Interventions should be co-designed within local health services to effectively reduce sedentary behaviour in sub-acute settings.