Enablers and barriers to participation in physical activity programs while hospitalised after burn injury: clinician perspectives


Anita Plaza1, Julie Adsett1, Brooke Mulliss1, Andrea McKittrick2, Allison Hill3, Prue McRae4, Alison Mudge4,
1Physiotherapy Department, RBWH, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
2Occupational Therapy Department, RBWH, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
3Nursing, RBWH, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
4Internal Medicine Research Unit, RBWH, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Aim: To identify enablers and barriers to physical activity participation whilst hospitalised after burn injury from the perspective of the clinician.

Design: Qualitative descriptive study design.

Method: Purposive sampling was used to recruit clinicians who worked in the Professor Stuart Pegg Adult Burn Centre between February and July 2022. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by a research assistant, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. All de-identified transcripts were analysed using an inductive thematic approach and were organised into major themes and subthemes.

Results: Twenty-one participants (18 females) were included. Participants had a mean age of 39 years and had worked in the burn centre for a mean time of 7.9 years. Factors that influenced patients’ ability to participate in physical activity from the clinicians’ perspective were summarised into major themes: 1) patient and family factors; 2) burn injury factors; 3) values of a high performing burn multi-disciplinary team; 4) positive culture for physical activity promotion; 5) clear communication and expectation setting; and 6) appropriate resources. A positive team culture promoting physical activity along with respect, collaboration and clear consistent communication between team members were seen as highly valued enablers. Pain, patient motivation and lack of staffing resources were regarded as barriers. Family support was seen as both an enabler and barrier to physical activity participation.

Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the clinicians’ perspective of physical activity participation while hospitalised after burn injury. Understanding how clinician and patient perspectives may differ is important when developing appropriate solutions to promote increased activity.

Biography

Anita Plaza is a Consultant Physiotherapist at the Professor Stuart Pegg Adult Burn Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Queensland. She has greater than 25 years of clinical experience working with both adults and children who have sustained burn injuries. Her current clinical research interests have included telehealth exercise prescription, physical activity level mapping and understanding adherence to physiotherapy programs after burn injuries, ultimately with the aim of improving outcomes for all patients with burn injuries.