Early Mobility in Hospitalized Older Adults: Needs Assessment, Analysis and Proposed Intervention

Despite decades of evidence suggesting that mobility is an important preventative measure, older adults continue to experience functional decline while hospitalized. The consequences of functional decline are far-reaching, and burden the patient and the healthcare system with unwanted outcomes. Due to the complex barriers involved in mobilizing patients, it is important to evaluate care staff’s knowledge, attitude and behaviors surrounding mobility in order to recommend interventions that combat immobility. This project consisted of a systematic needs assessment in order to provide recommendations for mobility practices in an adult medical unit at a large academic medical center. After completion of the needs assessment, data were analyzed and interventions addressing each of these needs were proposed. Care staff members (registered nurses, nursing assistants, and clinical support technicians) on this unit were surveyed online regarding their attitudes, knowledge and behaviors related to mobility. Staff were also observed over four shifts to collect data on mobility practices and unit-specific metrics were compiled into a profile. The needs assessment provided insight into the unit’s existing mobility practices as well as potential barriers to implementation of guidelines that would create change.Doctor of Nursing Practic