Physiotherapists in Newcastle Livestream Kidney Beam for Patients on their Ward
At Kidney Beam, we are always keen to hear how clinicians across the country are using the platform and how it benefits their patients, so we were happy to hear that physiotherapists on the renal ward at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle have found a way to stream a live Beam class for their patients on the ward.
Hear from physiotherapist, Emily, on how they set up the classes, and the benefits this has been having on patients.
Physiotherapists in Newcastle livestream Kidney Beam for patients on their ward: Part 1
Integrating Kidney Beam on the wards
After hearing about the Kidney Beam platform, Emily and the team thought the movement classes would be beneficial for their inpatients on the wards. They connected their laptop to the TV in the day room, and encouraged patients to come and try the live class hosted by the King’s College Hospital team.
Joined by a team member, who demonstrates the exercises alongside the class on the screen, the hope was that their patients would benefit from both the physical activity, and the social interaction with other patients on the ward too. It also became a way to introduce Kidney Beam to patients while still on the ward, laying the groundwork for them to continue to use the classes once discharged, knowing that it’s a safe and familiar way to keep moving.
How has this way of using Kidney Beam benefited patients?
Feedback from patients has been that they mostly enjoyed the social interaction, getting out of their cubicles, seeing other patients and thus making the day go quicker. Other staff members have also been joining the classes alongside patients, including other physiotherapists and housekeeping, creating a fun atmosphere and extra motivation for patients, seeing team members they know and recognise exercising alongside them too!
It was also noted that seeing the wider Kidney Beam community has been a plus for the patients on the ward, as they can see how the community exercises in their own homes, adapting the moves depending on how they’re feeling on any given day, and using whatever space or equipment they have on hand.
Patients reported feeling tired after sessions, and expressed that they felt like they’d completed a good movement session. Staff also noted that joining in the online classes allowed patients to work at a higher intensity than they might do in their other rehab sessions, suggesting that the community motivation and relaxed environment makes a difference here as well. Having the option to take part in the classes while seated suits most of the inpatients, making the live ‘Get Active, Stay Active’ classes an excellent choice for all.
Physiotherapists in Newcastle livestream Kidney Beam for patients on their ward: Part 2
Ensuring patient safety
Emily and the team have numerous ways of ensuring patients are safe to exercise and that infection control is a priority.
Firstly, patient involvement is always double-checked with the ward sister and other members of the MDT during morning handovers. Patients must be medically stable and not in isolation, and those considered for group exercise are often patients that are already working on rehab with the physiotherapists. Of course, patients are asked if they’re feeling well, and if they want to take part too! As mentioned previously, a team member is always in the room with the patients to ensure everyone is safe and enjoying the session. Any outbreak of illness or infection, for example COVID-19, on the ward results in no class taking place, even for those who are not affected.
Top tips for starting a Kidney Beam class on a ward
Keep going!! As Emily says, there can be a variety of reasons for a patient wanting, or not wanting, to take part on any given week, and sometimes there might be no-one in class, but the key is to not give up at that point. Continuing to host the class, be it a live session, or pre-recorded on-demand class, on a regular basis will keep it in the minds of not only the longer term patients, but staff as well. Emily and the team have noticed staff members popping their heads into the day room during the session, intrigued by something different happening on the ward. This will help to spread the word beyond the ward to other renal clinicians who can then encourage their outpatients to join Kidney Beam at home.
There is also a wide variety of options beyond the live renal rehab classes which should be explored if the live morning classes don’t suit the routine of the ward in other hospitals. Patients may prefer a shorter class, or a lower intensity class such as yoga or Pilates. Kidney Beam also has some guided meditations which could also be streamed to a group of inpatients on a ward.
So whether you take inspiration from Emily and the Freeman team and start joining in with the live Kidney Beam classes on your ward (Monday - Thursday 10am), or you find another time that suits your team and stream an on-demand class for your patients, we’d love to hear how you incorporate Kidney Beam into your ward routine.
If you need any advice or assistance in your set up, feel free to get in touch - hello@kidneybeam.com