To sit or not to sit? A Danish mixed-methods study of a bedside sitting-intervention among cardiological patients

Background Effective nurse-patient communication is a cornerstone of patient-centred care. Research indicates that when nurses sit during interactions, patients perceive communication as more attentive and respectful. However, the effect of a structured sitting intervention within cardiology settings remains underexplored.

Objective This study evaluated whether the presence of bedside stools influenced cardiology patients' perception of nurse presence, communication quality, and time spent in conversation.

Methods A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study was conducted in a Danish cardiology department. Two inpatient wards were assigned as experimental (n = 19) and control (n = 20) groups. Stools were placed in patient rooms in the experimental ward to facilitate seated communication, while the control ward followed usual care. Data was collected through patient interviews and a group interview with nurses. Quantitative data were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test, and qualitative responses were thematically analysed.

Results Patients in the experimental ward perceived nurses as sitting more (mean = 1.5 vs. 0.2 times, p < 0.001) and spending longer time in conversation (mean = 9.32 vs. 5.15 minutes, p = 0.003). They also rated nurses as having more time to talk (mean = 3.42 vs. 2.25, p = 0.005). Although the intervention did not significantly affect satisfaction with communication (p = 0.771), qualitative findings revealed enhanced perceptions of presence, attentiveness, and calmness.

Conclusion The bedside sitting intervention improved patients' perception of time, presence, and nurse availability. The initiative was cost-effective, sustainable, and well received by staff, suggesting that seated communication may foster more meaningful and caring patient encounters.