An Interdisciplinary Approach: Answering the How, When, and Where of Early Mobility Technology

Evidence supporting frequent and progressive early mobility is well established, such that many clinicians recognize the benefits of early mobility on the human body. Practically, however, patients still suffer deleterious effects of bed rest while hospital-acquired conditions from immobility are still being reported. We propose that practical knowledge about early mobility technology will enhance clinical decision-making so that early mobility can be accomplished more easily, safely, effectively, and efficiently. We summarize the advantages, disadvantages, methods of use, and pricing so that clinicians are prepared to recommend or utilize technology in early mobility efforts. This article serves as a bridge connecting the substantiated reasons why we do early mobility to the practical applications of how, when, and where we do early mobility in, around, and beyond the bed.

Nack B, Combs J, Herron-Foster BJ

Keywords: early mobility, safe patient handling, technologies