Nursing staff support a healthy lifestyle during rehabilitation

During a rehabilitation process, it is important to support patients in adopting a healthier lifestyle. Nursing staff in rehabilitation clinics can play a key role in this, as they have 24-hour visibility of the patient and maintain regular contact with family and loved ones. However, there is a lack of information regarding what the nurses' role should entail and what they need to fulfill that role.

Current situation

Before the study began, the current situation was mapped out to clarify the role of nurses in supporting a healthy lifestyle. The study examined the physical activity levels of rehabilitation patients, the nurses' education, and the nurses' perceptions of their own role.

Movement behavior

A study (already published) observed a wide variety of movement patterns. This demonstrated that not only the amount of movement but also the context—such as the who, where, and when—is important. Observing these factors enables the provision of individualized support to help each rehabilitation patient adopt an active lifestyle, thereby improving their movement behavior.

Education

The study examined the structure of nursing training programs at both MBO (secondary vocational) and HBO (higher professional) levels. The structure of these programs was analyzed based on a theoretical review and a questionnaire distributed among nursing educators.

Perceptions

Data was collected through focus groups to gain insight into perceptions regarding the role of nurses. The study examined how nurses view their current and future roles in supporting an active lifestyle, as well as what they believe is necessary to fulfill that role. Additionally, the perspectives of other healthcare professionals were assessed to provide further insight into the nurses' role within the multidisciplinary team.

Objective

The objective of this PhD trajectory is to develop an intervention for nursing staff so that they can strengthen their role in supporting a healthier lifestyle in rehabilitation.

Target group

The target group consists of nurses in rehabilitation.

Duration

The PhD trajectory ran from January 2022 to January 2026.

Team

• Åsa Mennema (Basalt Rehabilitation)
• Jorit Meesters (HHs)
• Jeroen Dikken (HHs)
• Lieke Hollander (HHs)
• Janneke de Man - van Ginkel (LUMC)
• Wilco Achterberg (LUMC)

Collaboration

For this project, The Hague University of Applied Sciences collaborates with Basalt Rehabilitation and Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC).

Funding

The project is made possible by the Stichting Vrienden van Basalt, which has merged into Stichting Basalt Fonds.

More information 

A scientific article has been published containing the results of the research into the physical activity behavior of rehabilitation patients. More scientific articles will follow which, at the time of writing, have not yet been published.

Contact

Åsa Mennema ([email protected])