99 Safer Mobility: Practice vs Preach (Age and Ageing)

AbstractBackgroundActivity levels in older people undergoing inpatient rehabilitation are low. Intervention by the rehabilitation team amounts to 2% of a patient`s day. Interdisciplinary working helps to ensure that therapy continues beyond the physiotherapy gym. However, safe handling is required.AimsExamine the awareness of ward staff of the mobility status of their patients.Investigate if staff on a general geriatric rehabilitation ward are compliant with physiotherapy mobility recommendations.MethodsData collection took place on a general geriatric rehabilitation ward from February to March 2019.Staff Awareness was assessed by individually asking ward staff (Nurses and Health Care Assistants) to identify the mobility status of their patients. Their responses were recorded and compared with the physiotherapy mobility recommendations as per the MDT (multi-disciplinary) communication whiteboard.The mobility status of each patient was observed by means of random visual audits. Observations were recorded and subsequently compared to the physiotherapy mobility recommendations as above for compliance.ResultsFor the staff awareness audit, 95 responses were obtained from 10 different staff members. 50.5% of responses (n=48) correctly identified patients` mobility status. 49.5% (n=47) incorrectly identified patients` mobility status.From 10 visual audits, a total of 196 patient observations were recorded. In 37.2% (n=73) of observations, patients were not mobilising as per physiotherapy recommendations. 39.3% (n=77) of observations were as recommended. In 23.5% (n=46) of observations, patients were not mobilised at all.ConclusionThere was limited awareness among ward staff of the mobility status of their patients. Over 1/3 of patients were not mobilised as per physiotherapy recommendations. These findings can compromise both patient and staff safety. The visual audit also highlighted low physical activity levels in some patients.Implications for clinical practice include the need for education on safer mobility and the promotion of patient physical activity at ward level. Physiotherapy led educational and practical handling sessions for ward staff have proven to be beneficial in this regard.