Student-Led Mobility Interventions for Hospitalized Adults: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility and Acceptability Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Geriatrics
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Hospitalized patients often experience functional decline due to inactivity.
• An undergraduate course was developed to promote patient mobilization and provide hands-on learning opportunities.
• The program aimed to address staff shortages while improving patient mobility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of undergraduate students delivering mobility interventions to hospitalized adults.
• To assess the acceptability of these student-led mobility interventions among patients and clinicians.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods study was conducted at a level 1 trauma academic center.
• Quantitative data and qualitative analysis of interviews/focus groups were used to assess feasibility and acceptability.
• Involved 14 students, 9 patients, and 24 clinicians.

Main Results:

• Students conducted an average of 4.1 mobility sessions per 4-hour shift.
• Program acceptability was affirmed by all stakeholders (students, patients, clinicians).
• 98.6% of stakeholders found the program feasible, with identified benefits in patient care and student development, alongside implementation challenges.

Conclusions:

• Student-led mobility interventions are an acceptable strategy to reduce immobility-related harm in hospitalized patients.
• Integrating students into mobility programs enhances patient care and provides significant educational benefits.
• The program demonstrates a viable model for improving patient outcomes and clinical education.