60Enabling Safe Mobilisation for Older Adults in an Acute Care Setting

Abstract

Background: Regular mobilisation has been shown to be highly beneficial in older adults. It can assist in the maintenance of muscle mass and exercise tolerance and can ultimately influence a person's ability to live independently Despite this, research shows that daily ambulation levels remain low in acute care. Barriers to mobilisation in acute care may include staff knowledge and perceptions regarding ambulation. The aim of this study was to increase staff awareness of the role of ambulation in the patient journey. A secondary aim was to increase the formal communication between physiotherapy and ward staff. Method(s): The first stage of this project involved physiotherapy-led educational sessions to all ward staff. The sessions were conducted once weekly for four consecutive weeks and were repeated again three months later to consolidate learning. The second stage involved the implementation of two formal communication tools between physiotherapy and nursing staff. An audit was conducted before and after project implementation. This included both quantitative and qualitative components and sought to evaluate nursing staff's level of awareness regarding the individual mobility needs of patients on the ward. Result(s): Post audit results revealed an increased level of awareness of individual patient mobility needs amongst nursing staff. Participants reported a significant increase (46%) in competence when assisting a person to transfer and also in the ability to mobilise a patient with the correct aid (37%). Results also demonstrate effective use of a written communication tool between physiotherapy and nursing staff. Conclusion(s): Interdisciplinary education has been a key component to the successful implementation of this project. It has enabled a greater understanding of the role of mobility in the patient journey and has resulted in a more person centred approach to care. The communication tools developed during this project have now been integrated as common pratice in this acute hospital setting.