Executive Summary: Progressive Mobility Project

By definition the term progressive mobility means a “series of planned movements in a sequential manner beginning at a patient’s current mobility status with a goal of returning to his/her baseline” (Vollman, 2010). Much simpler explained it means for us nurses to get our patients moving. Challenging nurses to use the patient’s current musculoskeletal abilities and help them progress towards their old or new individual baseline has many benefits other than the building of physical strength. This brief summary will explore the purpose, benefits, costs and target population involved in a progressive mobility project in the Intensive Care Unit including the basis upon which the program will be evaluated. Progressive Mobility benefits the patient immensely therefore justifying up-front costs and training invested. The main goal of this initiative is to increase the mobility in our ICU population and to prevent adverse outcomes from prolonged bed rest. As proven in 39 randomized studies prolonged bed rest is associated with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), healthcare-acquired pneumonia (HAP), delayed weaning of the ventilator due to muscle weakness, and the development of pressure ulcers (Vollman, 2010). Further patients who had the benefit of being mobilized during their ICU stay maintained their body weight and muscle mass better by 18% and had less functional limitations one year later (Vollman, 2010). ICU clients who participated in Early and Progressive Mobility Programs reported improved muscle strength, reduced stress and inflammation, less fatigue, the ability to resume activities of daily living sooner and after all positive mood changes (Vollman, 2010). In order to achieve widespread compliance with the project the objective is to educate 100% of ICU nurses and more than 50% of the Interdisciplinary Team, in particular Respiratory Therapists, Physical and Occupational Therapists including Physicians. An order set for the Computerized Provider

References: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), 2014. ABCDE Bundle Huddle Script. Retrieved from: http://www.aacn.org/wd/practice/content/actionpak/withlinks-ABCDE-ToolKit.content?menu=practice American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), 2014. Implementing the ABCDS tool kit at bedside. Retrieved from: http://www.aacn.org/wd/practice/content/actionpak/withlinks-ABCDE-ToolKit.content?menu=practice Vollman, Kathleen M., 2010. Progressive Mobility in the Critically Ill. Retrieved from: http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/content/30/2/S3.full