Adding a Mobility Champion to an Existing Progressive Mobility Protocol: An Evidence-Based Initiative.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Hospital Patient Care

Background:

• Hospitalized older adults are at risk for functional decline.
• Maintaining mobility is crucial for preventing adverse discharge outcomes.
• Existing mobility protocols may benefit from enhanced support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a mobility champion on functional decline in hospitalized older adults.
• To assess if adding a mobility champion affects discharge disposition.
• To determine the effectiveness of a mobility champion within a progressive mobility protocol.

Main Methods:

• An evidence-based initiative was implemented on a medical-surgical telemetry unit.
• Volunteering patient care associates were trained as mobility champions.
• Ambulatory older adults (Level 5) with a progressive mobility order were included.

Main Results:

• Patients engaged with mobility champions showed a reduced likelihood of referral to inpatient rehabilitation.
• This suggests a positive effect on maintaining functional abilities.
• The intervention potentially prevented discharge to a higher level of care due to functional decline.

Conclusions:

• Mobility is essential for maintaining functional abilities in hospitalized older adults.
• Mobility interventions can significantly influence post-discharge disposition.
• The role of a mobility champion is vital in optimizing patient outcomes and preventing functional decline.