Patient and Family Perceptions of Early Mobility and Exercise in the Hospital and ICU

Authors

Amy Toonstra PT, DPT, PhD, Concordia University, St. PaulFollow
Catie Carroll SPT
Zachary Eicher SPT
Bailey Galvin SPT
Bridget Murphy SPT
Sarah Zemek PT, DPTO

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Introduction

• Early mobility in the hospital and ICU leads to improved patient outcomes.¹
• However, patients still refuse PT treatment - Is this related to patient knowledge? ^2-5

Purpose: Explore patient and legally authorized representatives (LARs) perspectives of exercise and mobility in the hospital and ICU and determine if there's a correlation between perspective and PT refusal

Methods

Participants:104 participants from a Level 1 trauma hospital.

• Median age: 61.5 years
• Median length of stay: 13 days

Survey: 11 item validated survey scored using a 5-point likert scale.⁵

Analyses:

• Cronbach's alpha assessed internal consistency of survey.
• Spearman's Rho and Pearson's correlation tested the relationship between survey responses, demographics, hospital day of survey administration, and PT refusal.

Results

• Internal consistency was acceptable at Cronbach ⍺ of 0.17.
• Survey responses were overall positive toward hospital mobility (Median = 2) and neutral towards ICU (Median = 3)
• Overall PT refusal rate among survey participants was 8.1%, but no correlation was found between refusal rates and beliefs about mobility (p>0.05 for survey questions 1-4).

Conclusion

• Overall positive perception of early mobilization in hospital setting among hospitalized patients.
• Neutral perception of early mobilization in ICU setting.
• Limitations: Single center, only English speaking participants

Clinical Relevance

• Negative perception of early mobility in hospital and ICU setting may not be a significant barrier contributing to PT nontreatment.
• Disparities between survey answers regarding early mobility in hospitalized versus ICU patients indicate a need for targeted education on safety and benefits.
• These findings highlight the importance of improving patient and family education to enhance participation in PT and improve outcomes.

Recommended Citation

Toonstra, Amy PT, DPT, PhD; Carroll, Catie SPT; Eicher, Zachary SPT; Galvin, Bailey SPT; Murphy, Bridget SPT; and Zemek, Sarah PT, DPTO, "Patient and Family Perceptions of Early Mobility and Exercise in the Hospital and ICU" (2025). DPT Capstone Posters. 41.
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/dpt-posters/41