Table 4: Relating the evidence to the stages of an SPH programme-from the patient perspective

Programme stage	Supporting evidence	Study author(s)
Stage 1: improved patient mobility	Improved mobility outcomes	Arnold et al. 2012 [54]; Campo et al. 2013 [55]
Stage 2: improved vital bodily functions	Improved physical functioning, improved urinary continence, improved daytime alertness	Nelson et al. 2008 [4]
Stage 3: reduced risk of healthcare associated/immobility-acquired complications	Improved urinary continence; improved mobilisation	Nelson et al. 2008 [4]; Arnold et al. 2012 [54]; Campo et al. 2013 [55]
Stage 4: improved rate of recovery, greater quality of life and reduced length of stay	Improved quality of patient care, and quality of life	Nelson et al. 2008 [4]
Stage 5: reduced need for assistance	Improved physical functioning, improved urinary continence, improved engagement in activities, lower fall risk, and improved daytime alertness	Nelson et al. 2008 [4]
Stage 6: reduced strain related injury and better staff productivity	Reduction in incidence rate for back MSDs, number of lost workdays, reduction in perceived shoulder and lower back strain	Garg et al. 1992 [13]; Brophy et al. 2001 [15]; Owen et al. 2002 [6]; Collins et al. 2004 [16]; Fujishiro et al. 2005 [17]; Nelson et al. 2006 [12]; Garg 2012 [18]
Stage 7: improved retention through less sick leave and turnover	Greater reduction in lost workdays, reduced number of injury claims	Brophy et al. 2001 [15]; Collins et al. 2004 [16]; Fujishiro et al. 2005 [17]; Nelson et al. 2006 [12]; Garg et al. 2012 [18]; Charney et al. 2006 [51]
Stage 8: improved quality of care and financial outcomes	Savings in compensation costs for back MSDs, and in days lost due to injury, reduced number of injury claims, improved quality of patient care, improved patient urinary continence	Nelson et al. 2008 [4]; Brophy et al. 2001 [15]; Garg et al. 2012 [18]; Chhokar et al. 2005 [44]; Miller et al. 2006 [45]; Charney et al. 2006 [51]