Support hospital nursing in Early Progressive Mobility

May 8, 2025

Clinicians play a vital role in enhancing patient outcomes through Early Progressive Mobility. Partnering effectively with nurses is key to achieving this goal.

Why It Matters:
Early Progressive Mobility helps patients regain functional independence, reducing hospital stays and associated complications. Utilizing the Johns Hopkins-Highest Level of Mobility (JH-HLM) scale ensures standardized assessments.

 

How clinicians can help

1. Review and Update Orders:

  • Action: Regularly review and update activity orders. Use bedrest orders only for genuine medical needs.
  • Avoid: Embedding precaution orders in "Nursing Communication" or PT/OT orders.

2. Consult Patient Orders:

  • Action: Ensure consulted patients have appropriate activity and precaution orders.

3. Precise Precaution Instructions:

  • Action: Be specific. For example, clarify "R LE partial weight-bearing" to avoid delays.

4. Team Communication:

  • Action: Discuss with the RN if mobility updates are delayed or lower than expected.

5. OT/PT Orders:

  • Action: Confirm necessary OT and PT services are ordered.

 

The Impact

Prolonged Bedrest Consequences:

  • Cognitive and psychological deterioration
  • Muscle strength declines 3-11% daily
  • 65% of older adults lose independent ambulation during hospital stays, increasing nursing home admissions

Mobilization Benefits:

  • Decreased length of stay
  • Increased odds of home discharge
  • Reduced hospital-acquired morbidities

 

Let’s commit to enhancing patient care together

Active participation in Early Progressive Mobility improves patient outcomes. Your collaboration with nursing staff ensures a structured approach to preventing functional decline during hospitalization.

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