How does the built environment affect patient safety in relation to physical activity? Experiences at a rehabilitation center.

Physical activity benefits patients in rehabilitation yet comes with various safety issues. The built environment impacts on both safety and physical activity. We aim to explore the role of the built environment in safety issues related to being physically active in rehabilitation. We conducted a case study at a free-standing rehabilitation center for patients with Multiple Sclerosis, neurologic, or locomotor issues. Patients participated in two interviews supported by activity tracking data. Care professionals participated in focus group interviews respectively with two therapists and four head nurses. Accessibility and physical barriers, visual connections and (in)dependence, and spatial familiarity are important themes when identifying aspects of the built environment in relation to reducing safety issues patients encounter during physical activity. Raising awareness about each of these among care and design professionals could help them to balance safety issues in relation to physical activity and to communicate about them in a nuanced way.