Search

Purpose: Physical activity is an important method of rehabilitation used to promote positive physical and psychosocial outcomes among military personnel, including Veterans, with a physical disability. However, minimal research has explored physical activity program implementation strategies, particularly how these strategies may foster positive rehabilitation outcomes, and quality participation experiences among Veterans post-injury. The purpose of the current study is to document strategies used to deliver physical activity programs to Veterans with a physical disability. Research methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with program staff from three Veteran physical activity programs, and program documentation was collected. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were identified representing strategies used for delivering physical activity programming: (1) foster social connections; (2) challenge participants; (3) tailor programs and outcomes to match participant needs; and (4) include knowledgeable coaches/instructors. Conclusions: The study provides researchers and practitioners (e.g., rehabilitation professionals, program facilitators, coaches) with evidence of strategies for delivering physical activity programming for Veterans post-injury, thus assisting with future program development and evaluation. The findings also provide preliminary insight regarding the potential relationships between physical activity programming and elements of quality participation. Implications for Rehabilitation: Physical activity is a popular method of rehabilitation for military personnel post-injury. Findings highlight four strategies used to deliver physical activity experiences to Veterans with a physical disability. Strategies highlighted provide insight as to how rehabilitation specialists can promote quality experiences for Veterans with a physical disability during physical activity programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Aims: Over $150,000 are lost annually due to meal tray waste in a large hospital in the United States. This study aims to explore the root causes of meal tray waste within a decentralized foodservice model and strategies to mitigate waste., Methods: A mixed methods sequential explanatory design was used by first identifying hospital units high and low in meal tray waste using recorded food management data from January 2021 through September 2022, then conducting observations, mobile-interviews (n = 16), and in-depth interviews with hospital foodservice staff (n = 6) and nurses (n = 6) in each unit. Lastly, hospital and topic experts (n = 10) were engaged in strategizing solutions to reduce meal tray waste., Results: Findings indicate meal tray waste is increased when patients discharge and when standard trays (i.e., also known as house trays, which include items not requested by patients) are provided. Meal tray waste points to the unpredictability in a hospital that often arises due to patient circumstances, lack of coordination between nursing and foodservice staff, patients' food preferences, and the need for system and workflow improvements in a decentralized foodservice model., Conclusions: Findings highlight considerations that may be applicable across diverse medical institutions seeking to reduce meal tray waste. Hospitals should choose the best foodservice model that suits their institution to manage operations efficiently, focusing on reducing waste, cost optimization, patient satisfaction, and sustainability., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors of this research paper are employees of Cedars Sinai Medical Center and/or recent graduates of the institutions graduate school program., (Copyright © 2024 European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)