A Progressive Physical and Occupational Therapy Plan of Care for a 970-lb Patient in the Acute Care Setting: A Case Report

It is well documented that prolonged bed rest causes profound deconditioning of multiple body systems, and mobilization has been shown effective in decreasing hospital length of stay, preventing hospital-acquired conditions, and reducing readmissions. However, there are many barriers to the mobilization of the bariatric patient population, which include fear of injury to the patient and caregivers, lack of equipment, and knowledge gaps on how to safely mobilize a bariatric patient. This article describes the use of safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) technology for a morbidly obese man (BMI 124.5) in the acute care setting. An aggressive rehabilitation course utilizing SPHM technology that promoted functional mobility and progressive gait training substantially benefited this patient’s physical function and contributed to his potential for independent living in the community.

Blasco P, Deere C, McGann N, Hopewell N, Brown B

Keywords: safe patient handling, obesity, progressive mobility, bariatric