Safety of Mobilizing Hospitalized Adults

Abstract

This article examines literature that provides evidence about the safety of mobilizing hospitalized adults. A search of electronic databases and hand searches yielded 24 studies that were included in the review. Evidence of mobilization safety was found in 4 clinical settings (medical, surgical, cardiac procedure, and intensive care), and the findings from these studies suggest that early mobilization of hospitalized adults is safe.

Validation of a Predictive Model to Identify Patients at High Risk for Hospital Readmission

“…The PCP may detect early warning signs of acute clinical deterioration, respond, and intervene with appropriate actions. Ambulation was reported as the most frequently missed nursing care responsibility (Kalisch, Dabney, & Lee, 2013;Kalisch, Tschannen, Lee, & Friese, 2011;Kalisch & Williams, 2009). Consequently, limited mobility is associated with functional decline (Cheung et al, 2006).…”

Effects of Structured Exercise Interventions for Older Adults Hospitalized With Acute Medical Illness: A Systematic Review

“…Without a preventive intervention, hospital-associated deconditioning and disability has the potential to precipitate short and long-term consequences including loss of mobility, independence and quality of life. Additional negative outcomes may include falls, the need for higher levels of care, and readmission, all resulting in higher healthcare costs (Kalisch, Dabney, & Lee, 2013). Older adults who are already functionally compromised prior to admission may be at particularly high risk of these outcomes.…”

Systematic review describing the effect of early mobilisation after dysvascular major lower limb amputations

“…Mobilising patients in the acute care setting is a fundamental care task (Kalisch et al . ) that is provided when ordered by the physicians. As such, it is the responsibility of the nursing staff (Sheets ) to mobilise patients, although this care can be partially provided by allied health professionals such as physiotherapists.…”

“…Despite this finding, nurses often do not ambulate patients (Kalisch et al . ), and hospitalised patients spend most of their time in bed or in a chair (Brown et al . ).…”