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Standing Up to Deconditioning: A Multidisciplinary Two-Cycle Audit to Enhance Patient Mobilization in Elderly
Moe Moe San1, Shwe San2, Sidak Hanspal3
1Geriatrics, Poole Hospital, Poole, GBR.
Cureus
|July 3, 2026
Summary
Low-cost interventions significantly improved early mobilization in elderly hospital patients, reducing deconditioning risks. This multidisciplinary approach enhanced patient mobility and recovery outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Hospital Quality Improvement
Background:
- Hospital-associated deconditioning is a preventable cause of functional decline in elderly patients.
- Limited early mobilization is often caused by ward routines, devices, and clinical priorities.
- Deconditioning leads to prolonged recovery, increased dependence, and complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate if low-cost, multidisciplinary interventions can improve early mobilization in elderly inpatients.
- To assess the impact of these interventions on reducing deconditioning risks.
- To determine the sustainability of improved mobilization rates.
Main Methods:
- A two-cycle audit using Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology on an elderly inpatient ward.
- Baseline assessment of daily out-of-bed mobilization rates.
- Interventions included promoting mobilization during handovers, minimizing barriers (lines, catheters), and using sit-out charts and posters.
Main Results:
- Baseline mobilization rate was 30% (7.73 patients/day).
- After Cycle 1, mobilization increased to 57% (14.71 patients/day).
- Mobilization was sustained in Cycle 2 at 51% (13.14 patients/day), with positive staff feedback on awareness and responsibility.
Conclusions:
- Simple, low-cost, multidisciplinary interventions integrated into routine care can sustainably enhance early mobilization in elderly inpatients.
- Early mobilization is a crucial marker of quality inpatient care.
- Implementing these strategies effectively reduces the risk of hospital-associated deconditioning.
