What is the impact of progressive mobility on a medical cardiology ward in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia?

Abstract

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> The main purpose of this study is to measure the impact of the progressive mobility approach outside of the critical care setting in terms of length of stay (LOS), hospital acquired harm and cultural change within nurses and patients in regards to bed rest. This study aims to trial the progressive mobility tool within the medical cardiology setting while providing education for both staff and patients, in turn trying to change the culture of bed rest in Saudi Arabia. The anticipated outcomes are: Decrease Length of Stay (LOS) by 1,5 bed days per patient, decrease pressure ulcers incidence, falls incidence and hospital acquired infections measured through the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI), increase staff nurse's level of education on progressive mobility.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> This study is a prospective cohort study. We are applying the Progressive Mobility Tool and providing education sessions and materials to staff and patients that are admitted to the Adult Medical Cardiology Ward at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre. The patients that are eligible to the study are assessed utilizing the Progressive Mobility tool and depending on their score, the nurse implements the guidelines accordingly, until the day of discharge. The educational sessions targeting nurses start with them entering the organization during their orientation program. They are trained in manual handling, effective use of the equipment and the risks associated with immobility. The total sample size is 334 patients.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> The study is on its early stages, therefore no preliminary results are being able to be announced.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Early mobility provided through a multidisciplinary team approach will reduce risk of immobilization which can lead to pressure ulcers, HAIs, increases falls risk, prolonged use of antibiotics, unnecessary respiratory treatments which all in turn can lead to increase of length of stay and poor quality of life. Therefore early mobility will significantly reduce hospital expenditure due to the reduction of the comorbidities mentioned above.</p>