Implementing a patient-centered walking program for residents in long-term care: A quality improvement project

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Walking programs offer significant benefits for residents in long-term care (LTC) settings.
• Despite known advantages, the implementation of walking programs in LTC facilities remains underutilized.
• This project addresses the need to enhance physical activity engagement among eligible LTC residents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a quality improvement (QI) initiative aimed at increasing walking activity for eligible residents in a long-term care (LTC) environment.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and sustainability of a structured walking program within an LTC setting.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Model for Improvement and Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles for program implementation.
• Key strategies included forming a guiding coalition, assessing environmental/policy factors, developing a patient-centered protocol, providing staff education, and conducting mobility huddles.
• Ongoing evaluation and feedback mechanisms were integral to the process.

Main Results:

• Screened 78 residents, with 13 (17%) deemed eligible for the walking program.
• After 20 weeks, 69% of enrolled residents remained active in the program.
• Residents received walking activity 60-90% of the time, with zero falls reported during the activity. Average documentation adherence was 79%.

Conclusions:

• Successfully implemented and evaluated a consistent walking program within a long-term care setting.
• Findings suggest that QI initiatives can effectively increase walking activity in eligible LTC residents.
• Sustained program effectiveness is contingent upon strong leadership commitment and continuous support.