P111 Should standing consultations be offered throughout the NHS? An investigation into patient attitude towards standing consultations in a rheumatological department. (20th April 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oliver, Andrew; Raftery, Graham; Coady, David
• Is Part Of: Rheumatology. Volume 59(2020)Supplement 2
• Publication Date: 2020-04-20
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; Rheumatology -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa111.109
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-0324

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Britain is becoming an increasingly sedentary society; public health statistics tell us our health is being affected by our everyday lifestyle choices with reduced levels of physical activity and increasing levels of obesity contributing to increased demands on health and social care systems. On average, the UK workforce spends 9 hours sitting down per day. This is particularly prominent amongst GPs and certain senior physician roles in hospital, where clinics contribute to a large amount of the workload. Standing has been shown to put less stress on the lower back and other joints, burn more energy than sitting down and increase productivity and energy levels. Thus, evidence shows it is healthier to stand more during the day, but is it feasible in a healthcare setting? The aim of this study was to investigate whether patients would prefer to sit or stand for their consultations and the reasoning behind their choices. Methods: A consultation room within the rheumatology outpatient department in Sunderland Royal Hospital was fitted with an adjustable standing desk. During clinics, patients were offered a standing consultation on entry to the room. A focused questionnaire was created and given to patients, consisting of 6 questions on the demographics of the patients, whether they wanted a standing consultation or not and what their reasoning was for their decision. This was an opportunistic study that included 39 patients over a 3-week period. Results: In total, 39 questionnaires were given out, with each patient being offered a standing consultation. The results found that 13 patients opted for a standing consultation and 23 patients preferred to sit down. Not wanting to stand due to an MSK problem was the most prevalent answer with 16 patients using that as their reasoning. Conclusion: In an increasingly sedentary population, the introduction of standing desks could help to reduce this behaviour in healthcare professionals and contribute positively to health. This study also highlights the question of positive modelling of patient behaviours, by healthcare professionals demonstrating the benefits of standing, it could encourage patients to begin to integrate it into their own lives. If we remove the 16 patients that did not want to stand due to an MSK problem, then the results show that 13/23 (56%) of patients wanted a standing consultation, so why not offer the choice? Increasing the sample size and trialling the desk in another department, where MSK problems are less prevalent, is the logical next step to develop this research. Following further investigation, the implementation of standing desks throughout more healthcare departments could help to reduce sedentary behaviour, increase productivity, lessen sick days amongst staff and demonstrate healthy living to patients. Disclosures: A. Oliver None. G. Raftery None. D. Coady None.