Rehabilitating patients with ‘Re-condition the Nation’

Rowley Regis hospital has trialled a campaign that helps patients to become more active again after an illness through fun activities and exercise. Patients, whether they are in hospital or recovering from an illness at home or in a temporary residential home, will be much less active than normal. This inactivity leads to ‘de-conditioning’, which causes people to lose fitness or muscle tone, especially through lack of exercise. It can also damage a person’s confidence when undertaking exercise such as walking.

Re-condition the Nation is a campaign designed to encourage health and care teams to work together to identify and implement ways to reduce de-conditioning. The campaign was launched in the midlands for a duration of seven months from October 2022 to April 2023, but it has had a lasting impact on all involved.

As part of the Re-condition the Nation campaign, Justine Irish, Professional Nurse Advocate at the Trust, decided to introduce the reconditioning project on community wards. Staff had seen an increase in patients being admitted who had experienced functional decline due to acute episodes of care. At the time there were very little therapeutic activity happening in the wards, so this campaign helped them focus on what was needed for their patients and staff.

The project was as inclusive as possible in all activities, so that patients could participate regardless of being there for rehabilitation or discharge planning. The aim of the programme was to improve patient experience and wellbeing, while also supporting and including carers.

The wellbeing of staff, patients and their families has been enhanced through this project, which includes simple strength and balance exercises through fun activities like playing skittles, throwing and catching a beach ball and playing ping pong. Most days, one ward may have 15-20 patients participating for a one-hour session. Bedside sessions were offered to patients unable to attend the day room sessions, so they didn’t miss out. The project expanded to PCCT's fourth community ward, supporting 92 patients from September last year.

Justine said: “The difference Re-condition the Nation has made to us and our teams and patients has been immeasurable. We have raised the awareness for staff and patients around the impact of functional decline and de-conditioning and how quickly both can take effect. Now our patients are up and dressed earlier, usually by 10:30am and ready to start sessions pre-lunch, building a healthy appetite for a hearty meal.

“Feedback from patients, carers and staff has been very positive too; they look forward to doing the sessions. The most recent comment from one man was how he looks forward to visiting his wife so he can take part too!

PRIMARY CARE, COMMUNITY AND THERAPIES

“Sitting time has reduced, step counts increased, and the amount of time people are moving has increased. Our aim is to continue and build on what we started and hopefully encourage others to play their part in re-conditioning. I am eager to see some of the reconditioning principles rolled out Trust wide.”