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. 2023 Oct;37(10):1386-1405.
doi: 10.1177/02692155231170451. Epub 2023 Apr 17.

Perspectives of health professionals on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in hospitalised adults: A systematic review and thematic synthesis

Tahlia Alsop  1 , James Woodforde  2 , Ingrid Rosbergen  1   3 , Niruthikha Mahendran  1 , Sandra Brauer  1 , Sjaan Gomersall  1   2
Affiliations

Perspectives of health professionals on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in hospitalised adults: A systematic review and thematic synthesis

Tahlia Alsop et al. Clin Rehabil. 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Objective: To explore health professionals' perspectives on physical activity and sedentary behaviour of hospitalised adults to understand factors that contribute to these behaviours in this environment.

Data sources: Five databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL) were searched in March 2023.

Review methods: Thematic synthesis. Included studies explored perspectives of health professionals on the physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour of hospitalised adults using qualitative methods. Study eligibility was assessed independently by two reviewers and results thematically analysed. Quality was assessed using the McMaster Critical Review Form and confidence in findings assessed using GRADE-CERQual.

Results: Findings from 40 studies explored perspectives of over 1408 health professionals from 12 health disciplines. The central theme identified was that physical activity is not a priority in this setting due to the complex interplay of multilevel influences present in the interdisciplinary inpatient landscape. Subthemes, the hospital is a place for rest, there are not enough resources to make movement a priority, everyone's job is no one's job and policy and leadership drives priorities, supported the central theme. Quality of included studies was variable; critical appraisal scores ranged from 36% to 95% on a modified scoring system. Confidence in findings was moderate to high.

Conclusion: Physical activity in the inpatient setting is not a priority, even in rehabilitation units where optimising function is the key. A shift in focus towards functional recovery and returning home may promote a positive movement culture that is supported by appropriate resources, leadership, policy, and the interdisciplinary team.

Keywords: Physical activity; health professionals; hospitalised adults; inpatient setting; sedentary behaviour.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA flow diagram of search, screening, and selection process.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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