Seema Radhakrishnan | BOOST 2.0: Feasibility of using nursing student workforce to increase activity

Seema Radhakrishnan Fairfield Hospital/ University of New South Wales, Australia Title: BOOST 2.0: Feasibility of using nursing student workforce to increase activity: A qualitative study Abstract: Introduction/Background Australia’s ageing population is increasing demand for geriatric rehabilitation, with older adults commonly requiring care for falls, fractures and deconditioning. Improved outcomes are linked to higher therapy intensity, multidisciplinary care and patient engagement. Workforce innovations, including nursing students and allied health assistants, may enhance rehabilitation delivery. This qualitative study explored experiences and implementation factors of such a model in a subacute geriatric rehabilitation ward. Method: A thematic analysis approach was used to analyse semi-structured individual and focus group interviews of various stakeholders involved in the implementation trial. A total of 11 focus groups and 31 individual interviews were included in the present study which were recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded using reflexive thematic analysis. After themes were constructed using open coding, they were presented using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Participant validation was conducted with members of the research team who were not involved with coding to ensure accuracy of the findings. Results: Three key themes were developed: (1) Perceptions about the BOOST 2.0 intervention, (2) Perceptions of the implementation strategy of BOOST 2.0, (3) BOOST 2.0 within the inner (ward) and outer (hospital) setting. Patients, carers, nursing students and health care workers perceived that the BOOST 2.0 intervention would increase patient physical activity on the ward and facilitate quicker discharges. The use of nursing students to deliver exercise therapy was hindered by a perceived lack of confidence and clinical experience, conflicting clinical priorities and placement policies. The use of allied health assistants (AHA) was more acceptable to staff and patients due to their exposure to the ward Conclusion: This study provides insights on how alternative health workforce can deliver health interventions in hospital. Further research is needed to explore the effectiveness of using a diverse clinical workforce to deliver interventions that can improve outcomes for patients #Nursing #NursingEducation #Healthcare #ClinicalPractice #PatientCare #MedicalResearch #NursingConference #Nurse #HealthcareInnovation #InnovincConferences #ScientificConference