An audit of physiotherapists' documentation on physical activity assessment, promotion and prescription to older adults attending out-patient rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-practice gaps were found in physiotherapists' documentation of the promotion of physical activity to older adults attending out-patient rehabilitation, indicating a lack of assistance in the transition to an active lifestyle. These gaps were evident in the lack of; physical activity assessment, implementation of behaviour change strategies and formal referral to physical activity in the community post-discharge from out-patient rehabilitation. Implications for rehabilitation Our findings suggest that physiotherapists are not widely applying evidence-based practice to promote physical activity to older adults attending out-patient rehabilitation nor supporting them in the transition to engage in physical activity in the community post-discharge from rehabilitation program. Incorporating physical activity assessment and behaviour change strategies into usual care may enable physiotherapists to successfully promote physical activity to older adults attending out-patient rehabilitation. Collaboration between the health care system and community-based physical activity programs is imperative to facilitate the sustainability of an active lifestyle after discharge from rehabilitation program. PMID: 32809850 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research