Nurse-Led Mobility Program

Driving a Culture of Early Mobilization in Medical-Surgical Nursing

Abstract

Background: 

Hospitalized medical-surgical patients are at risk for adverse health outcomes due to immobility. Despite well-documented consequences, low mobility is prevalent.

Local Problem: 

In a 547-bed hospital, medical-surgical patients were mobilized less frequently than expected. Physical therapists were inappropriately consulted 22% of the time for routine mobility of patients. A preimplementation survey of registered nurses indicated a lack of knowledge and confidence to safely mobilize patients.

Methods: 

This quality improvement project implemented a nurse-led mobility program in an effort to increase early mobilization, reduce physical therapy referrals for routine mobility, and reduce the sequelae of immobility.

Interventions: 

The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool and standardized interventions were implemented on 5 medical-surgical units.

Results: 

Postimplementation, nurse-led patient mobilizations increased by 40%, inappropriate physical therapy orders decreased 14%, and no significant change in patient falls or pressure injuries was noted.

Conclusion: 

A nurse-led mobility program was effective in increasing safe, early mobilization of patients and improving the culture of mobility.