Older patients' participation in physical activity during hospitalization: A qualitative study of ward nurses' perceptions in an Asian context.

Maximizing the functional ability of older patients through participation in physical activities during hospitalization could prevent functional decline. This study describes nurses' perceptions of facilitators and barriers to hospitalized older patients' physical activity participation in an acute Asian setting. An exploratory qualitative study employing thematic analysis was used. Semi-structured, audio recorded, focus group interviews on 30 nurses from a hospital in Singapore, were conducted until data saturation. Facilitators included seeing physical activity engagement as a fundamental facet of nursing, drawing social contracts and motivating patients, and engaging a multidisciplinary team approach. Barriers included psychological factors, falls culture, nurses' heavy workload and language impediment. Barriers more unique to the Asian culture were patients' adoption of sick-role behavior, reliance on domestic helpers and social suppositions on paid service. These findings can be used to develop culturally appropriate interventions to promote physical activity participation for patients in acute settings in Asia.