Let’s Get Moving- A Quality Improvement Initiative To Increase Physical Activity Levels Of Patients In An Older Person’s Rehabilitation Setting

Abstract Background Many older adults experience functional decline during hospitalisation, often linked to prolonged sedentary time. This increases the need for rehabilitation, interim, or long-term care, thus raising healthcare costs. This project assessed patient awareness of physical activity (PA) guidelines, introduced initiatives to boost PA, and monitored the impact on patients’ functional outcomes. Methods Over six weeks, an audit of 51 patients (25 orthopaedic, 26 non-orthopaedic) recorded total length of stay, time to physical readiness for discharge, Cumulated Ambulation Score (CAS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and 5 Times Sit to Stand (5STS) on both admission and discharge. A patient survey assessed awareness of physical activity (PA) guidelines and satisfaction with the physiotherapy service. An information leaflet outlining PA benefits, PA guidelines, and available activities was distributed. New initiatives, including open gym sessions and walking groups, were introduced alongside existing exercise classes. The audit and survey were repeated after implementing these changes. Results Compared to the pre-intervention average, time to physical readiness for discharge decreased by 5 days (orthopaedic) and 9 days (non-orthopaedic), with estimated savings of €5,290 and €9,522, respectively. Patient satisfaction increased from 85.7% to 97.5%, and awareness of PA guidelines increased from 10% to 63%. 5STS, TUG and CAS improved beyond clinically important thresholds. Physiotherapy contact time increased from 324.5 to 411.25 hours. Conclusion Inpatient initiatives including open gym, walking groups, and information leaflets can increase PA in older adults, leading to shorter hospital stays, improved physical function, and increased patient satisfaction.