Poster Presentation Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society Annual Scientific Conference 2024

Health Care Professionals Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Early Mobilisation Group-Based Physiotherapy Program from a Tertiary Referral Bariatric Centre: A Qualitative Study (#206)

Maria MA Agaliotis 1 , Soniya SS Shelat 2 , Melanie ME Eslick 3 , Evan EA Atlantis 1
  1. WSU, Penrith, NSW, Australia
  2. Westmead Private , Westmead Pivate , Westmead , NSW , Australia
  3. School of Nursing , University of Tasmania, Sydney , NSW , Australia

Background

Postoperative mobility after bariatric surgery is vital for positive health outcomes, preventing functional decline, and reducing hospital stays (Clinical Excellence Commission [CEC], 2017). Group-based mobility therapy can enhance adherence to physical therapy, self-efficacy, social interaction, and overall quality of life (Fontana et al., 2019). This study investigates clinicians' and physiotherapy managers' perceptions, attitudes, and barriers towards group-based mobility therapy to identify effective implementation strategies.

Methods

This study was conducted between June and August 2022 at a tertiary hospital in New South Wales specialising in bariatric surgery. This study used purposive sampling to recruit healthcare professionals with at least twelve months' experience in the bariatric surgery service. Focus group interviews gathered participant perspectives and experiences. Thematic analysis identified key themes from discussions.

Results

The first focus group included one surgeon and four physiotherapists. The physiotherapist were female, aged 20-30, with 1-10 years of clinical experience. The bariatric surgeon was a female aged 50-59 with ten years of experience. The second focus group comprised four female nurses, including a nurse unit manager, aged 30-69, with 15-40 years of clinical experience.

Thematic analysis revealed six key themes:

  1. Perceived acceptability of group-based mobility therapy
  2. Motivational impact facilitated by healthcare professionals
  3. Role ambiguity and workload sharing among medical staff
  4. Need for patient selection criteria and informed consent
  5. Infection control risk assessment procedures
  6. Programme resource limitations, such as space and location

Conclusion

The study highlights challenges in implementing group-based mobility therapy, including developing a collaborative practice model, ensuring adherence to ethical and governance procedures, and effectively allocating resources. Further research is needed to explore strategies for overcoming these challenges, optimising the delivery of group-based mobility therapy, and gaining patient perspectives on adherence to this novel approach.