Document Type

Poster

Associated Faculty

Dr. Valerie Herbert

Sponsoring Academic Department

School of Nursing

Publication Date

2024

Abstract/ Summary

Geriatric clients aged 65+ are at an increased risk for loss of functional mobility during the course of hospitalization due to acute illness and prolonged periods of bedrest. Loss of function reduces the ability for clients to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), presenting concerning implications for the health, independence, and quality of life for older adults while further increasing both the cost and resource burden on the healthcare system. A literature review aimed at investigating the effects of Early and Progressive Mobilization (EPM) on returning geriatric clients to baseline mobility was conducted using CINAHL, PubMed, OneSearch, and Nursing Reference Center Plus using the following search terms: early and progressive mobil*, geriatrics, loss of function, acute hospitalization, and bedrest. A total of 11 articles met inclusion criteria. Articles that were published prior to 2019, or did not discuss the benefits of EPM in the geriatric population were excluded. The evidence is overwhelming in supporting EPM as a tool that nurses can use to aid in preserving the functional mobility of geriatric clients throughout the course of hospitalization, and shortening the length of stay (LOS). EPM can be defined as clinical exercises that aim to get clients up and moving to restore and/or maintain baseline functional ability. Despite its numerous benefits, EPM is underutilized in the clinical setting. The literature revealed that barriers to implementing EPM include a lack of institutional protocols regarding EPM, insufficient nursing staff, fear of aggravating clients’ condition, time constraints, and resistance from clients.

Version

post-print (i.e. final draft post-refereeing with all author corrections and edits)

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