New booklet set to help get older hospital patients home more quickly

A new booklet aimed at helping people combat deconditioning has been launched in Swansea Bay.

Deconditioning refers to the process where a lack of physical activity during hospital stays can have significant negative consequences for patients, especially in older people.

Patients lose physical and cognitive abilities within hours if actions aren't taken to prevent deconditioning.

It causes harm to patients and can prolong their hospital stay and prevent them getting back to their home and family. It can also have long-term consequences.

The new booklet suggests a series of gentle physical exercises that patients can attempt to help slow down or prevent deconditioning, helping them to recover and be discharged more quickly.

It also provides guidance on what to take with you to hospital and how your family can support you. 

The booklet, ‘How to Prevent Deconditioning’, was put together by then Cardiff University Occupational Therapy student, Carys Williams, during a placement in Morriston Hospital Emergency Department.

Carys, who has since qualified and works as an Occupational Therapist in Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales, said: “I am thrilled that the work undertaken during my time working in Swansea Bay will be utilised to support families and patients.

“Our hope in creating this resource was to provide our service users, and the wider population, with a better understanding of deconditioning and its effects. By providing simple, holistic strategies, and providing links to useful community services, we hope we can begin to empower patients and families to engage with their recovery whether they are on the ward or at home.

“Providing this leaflet as soon as service users enter the front door will also hopefully support the goals of both health professionals and service users and help strengthen recovery outcomes. It was a wonderful opportunity to create this resource and I thank SBUHB for their encouragement and support. "

Eleri D’Arcy, Swansea Bay’s Falls Quality Improvement Lead, said: “I’m really pleased to see the launch of this informative and accessible booklet on hospital deconditioning, created by former Cardiff University Occupational Therapy student Carys Williams.

“It’s a fantastic resource that will support both patients and staff by raising awareness and offering practical advice.

“I hope it empowers patients to stay active, make informed choices, and take an active role in their recovery journey.”

Christine Morrell, Director of Therapies and Health Science, also welcomed the initiative.

She said: “I want to express my full support and enthusiasm for the new booklet on combating deconditioning.

“This is a significant step forward in our continuous effort to improve patient care and recovery. The practical exercises and insightful guidance provided within this publication will undoubtedly prove to be an invaluable resource for both patients and staff.

“By raising awareness and offering tangible strategies to mitigate the effects of deconditioning, we are empowering our patients to take an active role in their recovery and ultimately enhancing their hospital experience.”

How to prevent deconditioning - 'The little green booklet'