ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Hospitalization has been associated with a significant decline in physical functioning for older adults. Research has demonstrated that 1 in 3 older adults will lose the ability to perform at least one activity of daily living by the end of their hospital stay. This functional decline (FD) occurs as health care providers try to prevent falls while subsequently limiting mobility.

AIMS: The purpose of this evidence-based presentation is to educate medical-surgical nurses on the importance of mobilizing patients routinely in the acute care setting and how to implement the Acute Measure for Post-Acute Care (AMPAC) screening score with the corresponding John Hopkins-Highest Level of Mobility (JH-HLM) intervention.

METHODS: Nurse knowledge will be assessed through a six-question pre-and post-intervention survey. Five of the six questions utilized in the data collection tool were created by the author and approved by Rochester University faculty. One question was adapted from the JH-HLM survey, an already reliable and valid instrument. The intervention is an educational presentation that will define FD, its prevalence, and how to utilize the JH-HLM goal protocol with the AMPAC score.

RESULTS: The primary outcome is an increased nurse knowledge about mobilizing patients safely and routinely. The secondary outcomes are the benefits the patients and hospital receive. These could include increased patient mobility, reduced bedsores, improved patient satisfaction, and reduced hospital readmission rates.

CONCLUSION: Hospitals that have implemented an evidence-based mobility intervention have demonstrated improved patient outcomes and satisfaction, as well as lower readmission rates. Therefore, as one of the primary patient advocates, nurses must use their voices and tools to increase patient mobility, thereby increasing holistic patient healing and care.

Keywords: Early ambulation; mobilization; hospitalization; functional decline; activities of daily living