Safe Mobility in Hospitalised Older Adults: A Concept Analysis

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nursing Science
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Promoting safe mobility is crucial for maintaining functionality in hospitalised older adults.
• The concept of safe mobility lacks a clear, consolidated definition in scientific literature.
• A clear definition is needed for effective application in nursing practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a concept analysis of 'safe mobility'.
• To specifically apply this analysis to hospitalised older adults.
• To identify the defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of safe mobility.

Main Methods:

• Concept analysis using the Walker and Avant methodology (eight steps).
• Analysis of scientific literature from multiple databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science).
• Inclusion of nursing terminologies (e.g., SNOMED CT, ICNP, NANDA).

Main Results:

• Safe mobility is defined by active movement and prevention of harm from falls and immobility.
• Antecedents include patient condition, hospital environment, team training, patient behavior, and family involvement.
• Consequences encompass maintained functionality, improved quality of life, reduced hospital stay, costs, readmissions, and mortality.

Conclusions:

• Safe mobility integrates promoting active movement with preventing harm from immobility and falls.
• This conceptual clarity can guide strategies to enhance older adults' quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.