Physical Activity Patterns, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life Among Nursing and non-Nursing Staff in an Office-Based Care Coordination Program.

INTRODUCTION

Sedentary work is associated with poor health outcomes. Many healthcare occupations, including office-based care coordination, are largely sedentary. Many nurses do not achieve the recommended levels of daily physical activity, however, the physical activity levels among nurses working in care coordination are not known.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the physical activity levels, self-reported health and well-being, overall quality of life, and work-related satisfaction of office-based care coordinators, and compare these among nursing and non-nursing staff.

METHODS

This study collected objective physical activity data using accelerometry along with self-reported information on work-related quality of life and satisfaction from 42 healthcare staff working in a hospital-affiliated office-based care coordination program. Results were compared among nursing and non-nursing staff.

RESULTS

Nurses had lower moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels compared to non-nursing staff (25 min/day vs. 45,   =  .007). There were no differences in daily sedentary time, light activity, or steps between nursing and non-nursing staff. Nurses reported high quality of life scores compared to non-nursing staff (4.4 vs. 4.1,   =  .02), but similar levels of work-related quality of life, happiness, self-rated health, and well-being.

CONCLUSION

Nurses working in an office-based care coordination program had lower levels of physical activity but reported a higher overall quality of life than non-nurse work colleagues working in a similar environment. Given known health risks associated with sedentary occupational work and the growing number of care coordination programs, health policies and initiatives aimed at increasing the physical activity levels of care coordination workers is of prime importance.