Hospitals nationwide implemented fall prevention policies starting in 2008 with the well-intentioned goal of protecting patients from falls. However, these policies inadvertently led to what has been termed an “epidemic of immobility,” causing significant harm to hospitalized individuals. It has become clear that prolonged bed rest, once a common practice in fall prevention, does not actually reduce fall-related injuries and instead triggers a cascade of negative health consequences.
Staying in bed for extended periods during hospitalization negatively impacts virtually every bodily system. These adverse effects include a heightened risk of developing dangerous blood clots and pneumonia. Muscle atrophy, or weakening, is another serious concern, alongside the potential for skin breakdown leading to pressure ulcers. Furthermore, immobility increases the likelihood of delirium and other psychological distress. For elderly patients, muscle weakness from hospital-induced bed rest can be so profound that it hinders their ability to return home and live independently. The repercussions of immobility are substantial and pose genuine threats to patient well-being.
Recognizing the detrimental impact of restrictive fall prevention protocols, rehabilitation professionals across the country are spearheading a crucial cultural shift. These experts champion the adoption of Acute Care Mobility Programs designed to counteract the culture of immobility. At institutions like Ivinson, rehabilitation teams are taking the lead in educating medical and surgical staff. The focus is on integrating increased movement opportunities into routine patient care.
Current training initiatives within these acute care mobility programs encompass several key elements:
- Comprehensive education addressing the origins and consequences of the “epidemic of immobility,” emphasizing the harms associated with excessive bed rest.
- Practical training on strategies and workflows to safely and effectively increase mobility opportunities for patients.
- Readily accessible reference materials to bolster staff confidence in implementing mobility protocols.
- Revisions to documentation standards to actively encourage and support proactive patient mobilization.
The overarching objective of these acute care mobility programs within medical/surgical units is to enhance staff education, expand patient mobility opportunities, and cultivate staff confidence. By empowering healthcare providers with knowledge and resources, the aim is to ensure that hospitalized patients benefit from increased movement, ultimately fostering better recovery and improved health outcomes.
