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Nurses' role in assessing and managing patient mobility is critical due to negative consequences associated with immobility. Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT), a validated tool used to assess mobility in hospitalized patients, was implemented over 6 months on medical-surgical units. Use of the BMAT en - hanced communication regarding mobility and mobility equipment, and improved pa - tient and staff safety.
Nurses' active role in assessing and managing patient mobility is critical due to negative consequences associated with immobility. Prolonged bedrest can lead to muscle atrophy, contractures, deep vein thrombosis and embolization, decreased muscle strength, bone demineralization, constipation, reduced motivation, impaired respiratory function, depression, anxiety, confusion, pressure injuries, orthostatic hypotension, and falls (Knight et al., 2018, 2019). Falls and falls with injury are common problems in healthcare systems. They can result in severe injury or death, reduced mobility, increased length of hospital stay, loss of function, and increased risk for further falls (Morris & O'Riordan, 2017). According to Growdon and coauthors (2017), promoting mobility in the hospital may help prevent injurious falls; this result aligns well with broader healthcare missions of enhancing patient-centered care, maintaining quality, and decreasing costs.
The Bedside (previously called Banner) Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) is a validated mobility assessment tool used by clinical nurses to assess patient mobility at admission and every shift (Boynton, Kelly, & Perez, 2014). The BMAT scores patients using numbers 1-4 (1=patients with total care needs for mobility, 4=independent). This tool helps nurses identify mobility equipment needed to handle and transfer patients safely based on their mobility level. The BMAT also promotes early ambulation, improves patient outcomes, prevents staff injuries, and decreases costs (Jones et al., 2020).
The BMAT requires the patient to participate in mobility assessments and assists in patient self-awareness of mobility limitations. Use of the BMAT in the acute care setting is supported by the need to improve and standardize communication among healthcare team members. Communication must be consistent to support accurate mobility recommendations and determine appropriate Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) equipment for safe transfer, lift, and mobilization (Boynton, Kelly, Perez, Miller et al., 2014).
Project Site and Reason for Change
In fiscal year 2016, 17 staff injuries due to patient handling occurred in the acute care setting at the project...