Hospitalization due to acute illness often leads to a decline in physical function and quality of life, which significantly impacts the emotional well-being of patients, their families, and primary caregivers. Emotional well-being is a critical aspect of overall health, enabling individuals to cope with and adapt to health challenges. Addressing this dimension within the hospital setting is vital to improving patient outcomes, particularly from a biopsychosocial perspective that considers physical, psychological, and social factors.
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions in enhancing the emotional well-being of hospitalized patients. While early physiotherapy is well-documented for its benefits in preventing complications and improving physical recovery, there is limited research demonstrating its impact on emotional well-being. Furthermore, data on the effects of prolonged hospitalization on the biopsychosocial health of patients is lacking.
Conducted at the Hospital Universitario de la Princesa (Madrid, Spain), a high-complexity hospital, this project will assess the role of physiotherapy not only in physical recovery but also in fostering emotional support. The intervention is designed to provide both therapeutic and emotional benefits, incorporating moments of relaxation and leisure into the treatment sessions. The study aligns with the growing global trend towards person-centered care and the humanization of healthcare.
This approach emphasizes a more holistic and personalized patient experience, where physiotherapy contributes to the overall health and well-being of the patient, addressing their physical and emotional needs.
Participants must be deemed eligible for physiotherapy treatment during their hospital stay, as determined by the medical team.
Cognitive Function: Participants must have a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 24 points or higher, indicating sufficient cognitive function.
Participants must have received a minimum of 4 physiotherapy sessions during their hospital stay.
A primary caregiver must be identified and available to participate in the study, although the caregiver does not need to be a family member.
Language Impairment: Patients with a language disorder that affects their ability to communicate effectively, thereby preventing them from providing informed consent or fully participating in the study.
Language Barriers: Patients who encounter substantial linguistic barriers that cannot be overcome with the provision of interpretation or translation services, thus limiting their ability to comprehend or fully engage in the study.
Patients Undergoing Specific Physiotherapeutic Treatments: Patients currently enrolled in physiotherapy programs standardized by the hospital's rehabilitation service for the following conditions: movement recovery, knee prosthesis, hip prosthesis, cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery, and bariatric surgery.