Public's Perceptions of Early Mobility and Exercise in the Hospital and Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Descriptive Survey

Authors

Amy Toonstra PT, DPT, Concordia University, St. PaulFollow
Sydney Chelstrom SPT, Concordia University, St. Paul
Emily Ciesynski SPT, Concordia University, St. Paul
Mackenzie Dockendorf SPT, Concordia University, St. Paul
Brandon Hixson SPT, Concordia University, St. Paul

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2022

Abstract

Introduction

• 50% Amount of barriers to early mobility related to patient factors₁
• 25% Rate of physical therapy nontreatment or patient refusal₂
• Is lack of knowledge about benefits of activity a cause for these phenomena?

Objective

To evaluate public opinion on importance and safety of early mobility and exercise for individuals in the hospital and intensive care unit (ICU).

Participants

186 adults were recruited at the Minnesota State Fair in the University of Minnesota Driven to Discover Building to participate in the survey.

Methods

• Survey
• Adapted from previous validated survey₃
• 11 items
• 5 point Likert scale
• Established content validity for clarity and relevance with six content experts
• Consent, demographic information
• Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency, Spearman’s Rho for correlation of demographics and item response

Results

• Internal consistency was acceptable with a Cronbach α of 0.75.
• Overall response was positive towards early mobility in hospitalized patients (Median=4)
• Responses trended towards neutral for individuals in ICU (Median=3)
• Role as healthcare provider had no correlation with belief patients in hospital or ICU get better sooner with activity (r=0.15, p<0.05; r= 0.14, p>0.05)

Conclusion

• Positive attitude towards early mobilization in the hospital
• Neutral attitude towards early mobilization in the ICU
• Demographic characteristics, including history as healthcare worker or participation in hospital physical therapy did not affect responses

Clinical Relevance

• Negative perceptions of early mobility may not be a major barrier contributing to nontreatment in the hospital and ICU
• Further research needed to identify specific barriers related to nontreatment

Recommended Citation

Toonstra, Amy PT, DPT; Chelstrom, Sydney SPT; Ciesynski, Emily SPT; Dockendorf, Mackenzie SPT; and Hixson, Brandon SPT, "Public's Perceptions of Early Mobility and Exercise in the Hospital and Intensive Care Unit: A Prospective Descriptive Survey" (2022). DPT Capstone Posters. 16.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/dpt-posters/16