The influence of communal spaces on patient activity in rehabilitation: a mixed methods study

This study aimed to determine whether patients are more active in communal spaces compared to their bedrooms and explore patient perspectives on communal spaces for activity, rest, and wellbeing.

A prospective study observed participants via behavioural mapping in a mixed inpatient rehabilitation unit for up to three days. Physical, social, and cognitive activity levels in communal spaces were compared with activity in bedrooms using independent t-tests. Three focus groups explored participants' perspectives on communal spaces for activity, rest and wellbeing using thematic analysis.

Thirty-three participants (age 71.6 ± 13years, 39%male) were observed, and a subset (n = 12) (age 67.3 ± 16.9, 50%male) participated in focus groups. Participants spent a greater proportion of time being physically active (mean difference 22.7%, 95%CI 8.7-36.6, p = 0.002) and socially active (mean difference 23.6%, 95%CI 9.1-38.1, p = 0.002) in communal spaces than bedrooms. No difference in cognitive activity was found. Participants perceived communal spaces to positively influence mood and activity. Reduced independence was a barrier, while visitors, activities, and an inviting design attracted people to communal areas.

Communal spaces may positively influence patient activity and mood during inpatient rehabilitation. Future studies should seek strategies to optimise engagement in communal environments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONOptimising patient activity throughout the day in inpatient rehabilitation is important to support recovery.Communal spaces in inpatient rehabilitation hospitals can positively influence patient activity and mood.Strategies to promote use of communal spaces in the inpatient rehabilitation hospital are needed.