Perspectives of health professionals on physical activity and sedentary behaviour in hospitalised adults: A systematic review and thematic synthesis

OBJECTIVE: To explore health professionals’ perspectives on physical activity and sedentary behaviour of hospitalised adults to understand factors that contribute to these behaviours in this environment. DATA SOURCES: Five databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL) were searched in March 2023. REVIEW METHODS: Thematic synthesis. Included studies explored perspectives of health professionals on the physical activity and/or sedentary behaviour of hospitalised adults using qualitative methods. Study eligibility was assessed independently by two reviewers and results thematically analysed. Quality was assessed using the McMaster Critical Review Form and confidence in findings assessed using GRADE-CERQual. RESULTS: Findings from 40 studies explored perspectives of over 1408 health professionals from 12 health disciplines. The central theme identified was that physical activity is not a priority in this setting due to the complex interplay of multilevel influences present in the interdisciplinary inpatient landscape. Subthemes, the hospital is a place for rest, there are not enough resources to make movement a priority, everyone's job is no one's job and policy and leadership drives priorities, supported the central theme. Quality of included studies was variable; critical appraisal scores ranged from 36% to 95% on a modified scoring system. Confidence in findings was moderate to high. CONCLUSION: Physical activity in the inpatient setting is not a priority, even in rehabilitation units where optimising function is the key. A shift in focus towards functional recovery and returning home may promote a positive movement culture that is supported by appropriate resources, leadership, policy, and the interdisciplinary team.