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.
