The evaluation of doctors and nurses opinions regarding bed rest and semi-recumbent position

Abstract

Objectives: We investigated healthcare personnel knowledge of commonly illnesses in which bed rest is often preferred, and their opinion about early mobilization, bed-rest duration and putting patients in the semi- recumbent position. Material and Method: 556 persons who agreed to participate were included in the questionnaire. They were 55 family physicians, 62 nonsurgical and 47 surgical specialists, 75 family practice nurses, 159 nonsurgical and 158 surgical clinic nurses. The questions were asked about the bed-rest duration of uncomplicated acute myocardial infarction, acute lower back pain, and cardiac catheterization and after liver biopsy, start mobilization after a total knee replacement and stroke. In the second group questions were asked about their acknowledge- ment of semi-recumbent positioning. Results: The majority of healthcare personnel suggested the short-term bed rest in acute low back pain and after a total knee replacement, whereas the approximately more than 50% of healthcare personnel supported the long-term bed-rest in myocard infarction, after cardiac catheterization and liver biopsy. Although specialists encouraged early mobilization in stroke, the most of the other healthcare staff proposed long period bed rest in this event. Conclusion: Healthcare providers did not agree with early mobilization, and tended to lean towards the practice of a long period of bed rest.