Are physical activity levels of health care professionals consistent with activity guidelines? A prospective cohort study in New Zealand

Objective We aimed to estimate the level of physical activity undertaken by health care professionals and the proportion that achieved a daily target of 10,000 steps. Design This was a prospective cohort study. Setting Participants were recruited in Wellington Regional Hospital, a tertiary hospital in New Zealand. Participants Neurology, Cardiology, and Endocrinology staff were invited to participate. Main outcome measures Pedometer-measured step counts were recorded over seven days and the proportion that achieved a daily target of 10,000 steps was calculated. Results We included 50 staff in the study. The mean daily step count was 10,620 (standard deviation = 3141) with a median daily step count of 10,606 (interquartile range = 7791–12,469). Sixty-five per cent of the staff achieved 10,000 steps per day. Conclusion This cohort was more active compared to other pedometer-based studies in health care professionals. The daily target of 10,000 steps per day was achieved at a higher proportion than reported in international studies and the general New Zealand.

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Doctor, what are my options? A prospective cohort study of an individualized care plan for patients with gastrointestinal cancer

Current Oncology ◽

10.3747/co.22.2194 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 22 (3) ◽

pp. 171 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

A.E. Hird ◽

M. Lemke ◽

M. Turovsky ◽

V. Malecki ◽

K. Kumar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Cohort Study ◽

Prospective Cohort Study ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Prospective Cohort ◽

Care Plan ◽

Care Plans ◽

Individualized Care ◽

Gi Cancer

BackgroundFor cancer patients, information about their disease and its treatment is often delivered within a short time period, potentially leading to patient misunderstanding, which can impede optimal patient care. In this 3-part clinical study, we investigated the utility of an individualized care plan for patients with gastrointestinal (gi) cancer starting a new treatment.Methods In part 1, a comprehensive literature search identified items for potential inclusion in the care plan. Those items were formatted into a questionnaire. The questionnaire was then administered to patients as a structured interview. In part 2, health care professionals involved in the care of patients with gi cancer evaluated the resulting care plan for content and relevancy. In part 3, a 20-week prospective cohort study (10 weeks using standard of care, 10 weeks using individualized care plans) was conducted. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and at 2–4 weeks after administration of the care plan.Results In part 1, a 73-item questionnaire was developed and completed by 20 patients in semi-structured interviews. In part 2, long and short versions of the care plan were created. Most health care professionals preferred the long version. Based on their comments, a final version of the care plan was created. The part 3 study enrolled 104 patients. Overall satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the intervention group at baseline (p = 0.010) and follow-up (p = 0.005). Compared with control patients, the intervention cohort also reported significantly higher overall quality of life (p = 0.044) and fewer symptoms of anxiety (p = 0.048) at follow-up.Conclusions Provision of an individualized care plan resulted in improvements in outcome measures at both baseline and follow-up. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.

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