Activity level of hospital medical inpatients: An observational study

ObjectivesTo determine the activity level of people admitted for an acute hospital medical admission and to describe the location of and people present at the activity.DesignProspective observational behavioral mapping study.Participants102 patients admitted to general medical wards.InterventionParticipants were observed 1 min every 10 min during a working day from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.Outcome measuresHighest level of activity was recorded; location, activity and person/s attending the participant.ResultsData from 76 participants were analyzed; mean age 67 (SD 19) years, 38 (50%) male. Participants were observed for 450 min. They spent 394 (88%) min in their rooms, 18 (4%) min in the bathroom and 27 (6%) min off the ward. Of the time in their rooms, participants spent a median 315 (IQR 205–398) min lying in bed, 10 (IQR 0–38) min sitting on or out of bed and 1 (IQR 0–20) min standing or walking. Participants spent a median 115 (IQR 70–158) min doing nothing, 80 (IQR 43–160) min resting or sleeping and 75 (IQR 40–168) min talking, reading or watching television. Participants were alone 280 (IQR 230–340) min and with one person 90 (IQR 50–130) min. Participants were with staff a median 120 (IQR 73–180) min; nurses 35 (IQR 20–60) min, medical staff 10 (IQR 0–18) min and allied health staff 10 (IQR 0–20) min.ConclusionPeople admitted to general medical wards are inactive during hospital stay; spending the majority of the working day in their rooms, in bed and alone.