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Keywords
immobilization, pressure injuries, length of stay
Disciplines
Nursing
Description
According to multiple studies, hospitalized patients are either inactive or in bed for 87–100 percent of the day. Prolonged immobilization can lead to functional decline and loss of muscle strength. Additionally, it can increase the risk for certain hospital-related complications such as falls and pressure injuries. In turn, this can lead to increased length of stay and patients requiring additional resources when discharged such as the need for sub-acute rehab placement or an extended care facility instead of returning home. A systematic review by Pashikanti, Lavanya MSN, et al., found that a standardized early mobilization protocol can significantly improve the functional status of hospitalized older adults and reduce the length of stay for patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and patients who underwent lower-limb amputations. A study by Jones, Renata A. DNP, et al. found that after implementing mobility protocols, nurse-led patient mobilizations increased by 40 percent.
A mobility pilot, led by three staff nurses was initiated on 8 Center, a 41-bed medical unit. They found that utilizing mobility protocols, gaining both staff and patient buy-in, conducting audits and reminding staff to get patients up for all meals improved mobility scores and decreased LOS, allowing more patients to return home. A nurse driven activity protocol was posted in the rooms for each patient with individualized goals based on their 6 Clicks score. We looked at the unit admission 6 Clicks score and compared it to the discharge 6 Clicks score to determine if our pilot made a difference.
This quality improvement project evaluated the effectiveness of a nurse driven activity protocol compared to continued bedrest in effort to increase discharge mobility 6 Click scores, decreasing the need for extended care facilities and decrease length of stay (LOS).
Publication Date
5-6-2024
Recommended Citation
Tuayma S, Szumlinski H, Curtis A. Movement is medicine: implementing a mobility pilot on a medical unit. Presented at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital; 2024 May 6-12; Royal Oak, MI.
Comments
Nurses Week at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, May 6-12, 2024.