Perceptions and factors influencing exercise interventions in elderly patients with debilitating spinal surgery and healthcare professionals: A qualitative study

Abstract

BACKGROUND Older spine surgery patients have a high incidence of debilitation, which can be managed with certain exercises. AIM To investigate the current status and influencing factors related to the knowledge of exercise intervention among patients and professionals. METHODS Descriptive research methods were used to classify and summarize patients and professionals’ perceptions and factors affecting exercise interventions. Data were analysed using the Colaizzi seven-step analysis method to distill and refine themes. RESULTS A total of 7 themes were identified: (1) The current status of patients' exercise is unsatisfactory; (2) patients' health literacy is low, coupled with a lack of social and family support; (3) there are numerous challenges with systematic exercise interventions; (4) healthcare professionals acknowledge the importance and need for exercise interventions; (5) there's a pronounced willingness among patients to participate in exercise intervention programs; (6) healthcare professionals believe that exercise interventions are beneficial; and (7) participants offered invaluable insights and suggestions on perioperative exercise during spinal surgery. CONCLUSION To investigate the current status and influencing factors related to the knowledge of exercise intervention among patients and the related healthcare professionals to provide a reference for the construction of exercise management programs for these patients.