Describing objectively measured intensive care nurses’ physical work activity behavioural patterns during a 12‐hr shift

Abstract

Aim and objectives: To describe intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' physical work activity behavioural patterns over 12 hr using dual accelerometry, following a job demands-recovery framework. Background: Limited studies utilised accelerometry to objectively analyse nurses' physical workloads. Little is known about intensive care nurses' physical activity patterns during a 12-hr shift.

A cluster analysis of physical activity profiles and resilience in intensive care nurses

“…, 2020a). Moreover, we found different patterns of physical activity behaviours across the sample during a 12-h shift (Yu et al. , 2020b).…”

“…Evidence indicates that nurses' occupational physical activity involves prolonged standing and walking, excessive physical job demands and long work hours (Chappel et al, 2017;de Campos et al, 2018;Fiedler et al, 2012). Prior research found that high levels of standing and dynamic standing were involved in ICU nursing during a 12h shift (Yu et al, 2020b). Moreover, studies identified that nurses' physical activity during work hours was more energy-intensive compared to their physical activity during leisure time (Daud et al, 2019;Lee et al, 2005;McCarthy et al, 2018).…”

“…Our prior studies built the relevant evidence regarding individual intensive care unit (ICU) nurses' resilience and physical activities using dual accelerometry to characterise their physical activity and sedentary behavioural components (Yu et al. , 2020a, b). We introduced dynamic standing (standing with slight movement) as a new approach to measuring ICU nurses' physical work activity when providing nursing care such as bed baths, medication preparation or chest drain removal (Yu et al.…”

“…We introduced dynamic standing (standing with slight movement) as a new approach to measuring ICU nurses' physical work activity when providing nursing care such as bed baths, medication preparation or chest drain removal (Yu et al. , 2020a, b). We also identified that more resilient ICU nurses had higher occupational physical activity levels and lower sleep duration during leisure time compared to less resilient nurses (Yu et al.…”

“…, 2012). Prior research found that high levels of standing and dynamic standing were involved in ICU nursing during a 12-h shift (Yu et al , 2020b). Moreover, studies identified that nurses' physical activity during work hours was more energy-intensive compared to their physical activity during leisure time (Daud et al.…”