Organizational structures for physical activity promotion in German long-term care facilities in pandemic contexts

Oral Presentation B1.5

Authors

  • Annika Frahsa University of Bern
  • Dorothée Altmeier University of Tübingen
  • Viola Dembeck University of Tübingen
  • Gerhard W. Eschweiler Tübingen University Hospital
  • Andreas M. Nieß Tübingen University Hospital
  • Gorden Sudeck University of Tübingen
  • Ansgar Thiel University of Tübingen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.483

Keywords:

Aging, Physical Activity, COVID-19, Organizational Culture

Abstract

Background: Given the multiple positive effects of physical activity (PA) in old age, infection control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have had paradoxical effects, particularly in nursing homes: measures contribute to the protection of vulnerable residents, and they result in residents becoming socially isolated, exposed to psychological stress, and physically declining due to increased sedentariness. Purpose: To analyze the options and challenges for PA promotion in LTC facilities, as (pseudo-) 'total' institutions in Goffman’s sense, under current pandemic conditions. Methods: Mixed-method study in eight LTC facilities in Southern Germany, based upon semi-structured interviews with executive and nursing staff (n=31), documents, such as nursing concepts, mission statements, and weekly activity plans, a photovoice study (n=27 participants, and n=169 photographs), and systematic observation on-sites (200hrs in 2020, 625hrs in 2021). We interpreted data through reflexive thematic analysis. Results: PA promotion is not integrated into organizational structure and culture. Nursing homes represent pseudo-total institutions, focused on caring for and protecting vulnerable people, rather than empowering residents as agents of their well-being and context and enabling them to age in a self-determined way. This trend is further exacerbated by a pandemic event. Conclusions: While nursing homes often demonstrate high levels of coping belief, the long-term effects of COVID-19 on PA promotion remain unclear, given the absence of external actors and lack of integration of PA promotion into organizational structure and culture. Funding: Study funded by the German Federal Ministry of Health 2019-2022 (grant no. ZMVI1-2519FSB114).

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Frahsa, A., Altmeier, D., Dembeck, V., Eschweiler, G. W., Nieß, A. M., Sudeck, G., & Thiel, A. (2021). Organizational structures for physical activity promotion in German long-term care facilities in pandemic contexts: Oral Presentation B1.5. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.483