1880 Improving physical activity in hospitalised older people: The Saints Foundation - University Hospital Southampton Partnership

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Deconditioning in the acute setting is associated with adverse outcomes, that cannot always be mitigated by increasingly stretched MDT workforce. We partnered with the Saints Foundation (SF), to test the feasibility and acceptability of a non-clinical Exercise Practitioner (EP) to work alongside therapies to promote physical activity (PA) of hospitalised older people. Methods Charity funded joint appointment of an NVQ3 EP with Postural stability Instructor (PSI) qualifications delivered quality education and rehabilitation programmes to hospitalised older patients. These took place in both one to one and gym-based group settings whilst working with the SF team to improve access to community-based exercise programmes. Results Between Sept 2022 and May 2023, the EP assessed 169 patients, mean age 86 yrs; male (62%), admitted after a fall. 105 patients (62%) underwent one to one rehabilitation consisting of falls education and individual exercise plans, 64 patients (38%) underwent gym-based rehabilitation, where strengthening and balance exercises were conducted in groups to improve overall function and increase confidence in functional ability. No adverse safety incidents were reported and a high level of satisfaction after interaction with the EP was conveyed. Initial focus was on patient feedback and satisfaction to ensure input o+- f an EP was well received and accepted. Conclusion Intervention by a non-clinical EP to improve the PA of hospitalised older people is acceptable, feasible, appears to be safe and is associated with increased patient satisfaction. By capitalising on SF expertise, we provided a clinical standard on exercise for older adults and built a strong relationship between our workforce to bridge community and acute services. Next steps are to increase the scope of interventions, evaluate quality of life pre and post hospitalisation, capture trust level metrics including length of stay, readmission rates and discharge destination to further evaluate the impact on service users.