Early mobilisation after abdominal surgery is necessary to avoid complications and increase recovery. However, due to a variety of factors, failure of early mobilisation is seen in clinical practice.
The aim of this study is to investigate the perspectives of nurses and patients of the Haaglanden Medical Center (HMC) how to increase mobilisation frequency after colorectal surgery in the
oncological surgery ward. This explorative study employed qualitative data collection and analysis by means of semi-structured interviews with patients and nurses. Patients were included when they had a colorectal resection, were older than 18 years and spoke Dutch. The interviews were audiotaped and verbatum transcribed. A thematic content analysis was performed. It was concluded that mobilisation can be increased when it is incorporated in daily care activities and family support during visiting hours. Appropriate information about mobilisation and physical activity is needed for nurses, patients and family and the hospital environment should stimulate mobilisation.