Implementation of Intelligent Physical Exercise Training at a Danish Hospital—A Qualitative Study of Employees’ Barriers and Facilitators for Participation

Christina Juul Pultz, Thea Mundt Lohse, Just Bendix Justesen, Charlotte Ahlgren Særvoll, Sofie Fønsskov Møller, Birgitte Lindegaard, Thea K. Fischer, Tina Dalager and Stig Molsted ()
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Christina Juul Pultz: Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, The Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
Thea Mundt Lohse: Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, The Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
Just Bendix Justesen: Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Research Unit of Physical Activity and Health in Working Life, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
Charlotte Ahlgren Særvoll: Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital—North Zealand, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
Sofie Fønsskov Møller: Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital—North Zealand, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
Birgitte Lindegaard: Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital—North Zealand, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
Thea K. Fischer: Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital—North Zealand, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark
Tina Dalager: Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, The Faculty of Health Science, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
Stig Molsted: Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital—North Zealand, 3400 Hillerød, Denmark

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 22, 1-13

Abstract: Background: Exercise training at work has the potential to improve employees’ productivity, health, and well-being. However, exercise interventions for healthcare workers in hospitals may be challenged by time pressure and the ongoing workflow with patient care. Objective: The aim was to identify barriers and facilitators for participation in exercise training during work in a hospital department. Methods: Eight semi-structured interviews of 13 individuals were conducted with hospital employees from different staff groups who participated in 12 weeks of exercise twice weekly. The data analysis was a thematic approach based on the Theoretical Domains Framework and the COM-B factors in the Behavior Change Wheel. Results: Barriers and facilitators varied between different groups. Barriers included limited structure, busyness, and a discouraging culture. Facilitators included gaining a feeling of community and psychological and physical well-being. Seven contextual subthemes were vital for successful implementation of exercise in a hospital setting: sharing of knowledge and information; involvement; administration and structure; culture; individualization; purpose and objective; and incentives. Conclusions: The informants appreciated exercise training during work. Inpatient departments’ informants found it difficult to participate in the intervention, whilst those with more administrative tasks found it easier. This study identified barriers and facilitators vital for a successful implementation of an exercise training intervention in a hospital department. The study explains how future interventions can improve reach, adoption, and implementation of exercise training interventions to hospital staffs.

Keywords: employees; interview; physical activity; qualitative research; workplace (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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