Audit of Sitting Time in Older Inpatients and Implications for Pressure-Injury Management

Aim: To determine the duration of out-of-bed sitting time and equipment used by older inpatients admitted to an aged rehabilitation (post-acute) hospital. Methods: This study was a prospective observational study of n = 32 older inpatients. Behavioral mapping with a purpose-designed audit tool was used to determine the proportion of the day spent out of bed and specifications of chairs used by participants. Results: On average, patients sat out of bed for 3.8 hours (sd 2.5) over an 8.5 hour audit period. Four chair designs were recorded as being used with and without pressure relieving devices. Risk factors associated with pressure injuries included incontinence, reduced mobility, and Body Mass Index (BMI) scores. Conclusion: Findings suggest that older inpatients spend sufficient time sitting in chairs to be at risk of developing pressure-related ulcers during hospitalization. Prescription of physical activity and pressure-relieving interventions warrants further investigation in this group.