There is a direct correlation between increased length of stay and immobility in the hospital setting.  Recognizing that our capacity constraints were getting worse, improving patient mobility quickly became a quality and safety FY 24 goal.  The vision was to design a realistic and sustainable program that would result in a reduction of our length of stay as well as reduce the need for our patients to require rehab after being discharged from deconditioning.  

To develop a program, a steering committee was assembled, and a small sub-group was recruited to review the literature, evaluate best practices, and design a curriculum that would support this new intervention.  Lauren and Ashleigh were tapped to lead this group knowing their passion for patient safety and their fundamental belief that patients have improved healing when they are mobilized.  They developed a multi-modal curriculum which included an e-learning and a psychomotor return demonstration approach.  Recognizing that both nurses and PCAs would need this education, in person sessions were planned which not only imparted the knowledge of the importance of mobility but it also fostered teamwork among our caregivers. Bringing their curriculum from concept to reality was no small effort as it meant executing comprehensive skills sessions across both campuses. The team worked with all Acute Care NESS to make sure their standardized education program would be carried out with all Acute Care units.  This dedication to preparation and training that was concurrent with the pilot which fostered confidence in the staff to participate wholly in the pilot phase.  Also training the staff on both campuses was a great primer prior to the larger rollout of the program.

Once the team identified the pilot unit, Lauren and Ashleigh expanded their team and worked with Sujatha, Susan, and Robin, the unit leaders, to implement the curriculum and plan.  Each leader made rounds on the unit, requesting feedback from the staff on what was working and what we needed modifications.  The entire team recognized that in order to implement a successful program, end user feedback was critical.  As a result, frontline staff joined the larger committee which was a significant win.  Additionally, Lauren and Ashleigh leveraged Patient Safety Awareness Week to showcase the program and get the word out to the entire medical center.   Mobility is an interdisciplinary opportunity, so engaging providers, physical therapists, front line staff and the entire care team was a critical step in the journey.     

The program quickly moved from “mobility” to UMove to Improve.  This name was voted on by the staff and as a result of this team’s dedication, nearly 10 months later, all of the acute care units are live with the UMove to Improve mobility program.     While there is an entire team of passionate and dedicated mobility champions, the education sub-group went above and beyond to develop education that made sense.  This education is now incorporated into new hire skills as well as annual education.  Way to go, Ashleigh, Lauren, Robin, Sujatha, and Susan. Thank you for your leadership and dedication.