BOOST 2.0: Feasibility of Using the Nursing Student Workforce to Increase Activity: A Qualitative Study

To explore the experiences of patients, carers, nursing students, and health care workers of the BOOST 2.0 implementation trial in the subacute geriatric rehabilitation ward and understand the factors influencing uptake and sustainability.

This research is a qualitative study using a thematic analysis approach. Semistructured individual and focus group interviews were conducted with various stakeholders who were involved in the implementation trial. A total of 11 focus groups and 31 individual interviews were included in the present study, which were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using reflexive thematic analysis. After themes were constructed using open coding, they were presented using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Participant validation was conducted with members of the research team who were not involved with coding to ensure accuracy of the research findings.

Three key themes were developed: (1) perceptions about the BOOST 2.0 intervention, (2) perceptions of the implementation strategy of BOOST 2.0, (3) BOOST 2.0 within the inner (ward) and outer (hospital) setting. Patients, carers, nursing students, and health care workers perceived that the BOOST 2.0 intervention would increase patient physical activity on the ward and facilitate quicker discharges. The use of nursing students to deliver exercise therapy was hindered by a perceived lack of confidence and clinical experience, conflicting clinical priorities, and placement policies. The use of allied health assistants was more acceptable to staff and patients due to their exposure to the ward.

This study provides insights into how the alternative health workforce can deliver health interventions in hospitals. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of using a diverse clinical workforce to deliver interventions that can improve outcomes for patients.