Implementation of a Standard Mobility Assessment: A Quality Improvement Project to Improve Early Mobilization in Hospitalized Adult Patients

The lack of mobility assessment in a progressive care unit PCU impacts evaluation of patient activity level and subsequent mobility interventions. Mobility assessment using a standardized assessment form improves early mobilization and prevents adverse events such as delay in discharge process and increased length of stay. Delayed mobility occurs when physical activity is not promptly started following initial stabilization in hospitalized patients, resulting in muscle wasting, acquired weakness, impaired functional status, and increased length of stay. A key strategy is prompt, appropriate, and early involvement of physical therapists PT in the treatment plan. A quality improvement project evaluated impact on the rate of PT consults after nurses were required to complete an evidence-based mobility assessment tool. Nurses’ consistency at the bedside provides a unique opportunity to assess patients’ mobility needs on a daily basis. Therefore, there is a need for partnership between PT and nursing to facilitate the adoption of multidisciplinary treatment plans that optimize mobility. Results demonstrated an increase in the rate of PT consults after project implementation, reflecting clinical significance for PCU patients in the form of more efficient and effective physical therapy service initiated early in PCU hospitalization. 

Ihemere N, Tussing T, Schubert C

Keywords: acquired weakness, discharge disposition, early mobilization, functional ability, length of stay