Understanding and Preventing Hospital-Acquired Immobility
What is hospital-acquired immobility?
Hospital-acquired immobility refers to the loss of mobility and physical function that patients often experience during a hospital stay due to prolonged bed rest and inactivity. When patients are admitted to the hospital for surgery or illness, they can spend up to 95% of their hospital stay in bed. This extended immobility can lead to a range of serious complications, including muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pressure ulcers, and longer recovery times. Hospital-acquired immobility can significantly impact a patient’s overall health, prolong their hospital stay, make the transition to home more difficult/dangerous, and increase healthcare costs.
Why Early Mobilization Matters
Early and progressive mobilization is crucial for preventing hospital-acquired immobility. It’s important to understand that Early Mobilization encompasses more than just ambulating; it also includes periodic changes in position, such as turning the patient, sitting up in bed, dangling at the side of the bed, and moving to a chair, in addition to walking. By encouraging these movements as soon as possible, providers can help maintain muscle strength, joint flexibility, and overall physical function. Research has shown that early mobilization, in all its forms, is associated with improved functional outcomes, reduced hospital costs, and decreased length of stay. For healthcare providers, implementing comprehensive mobility programs that incorporate these various forms of movement is a critical step in improving patient outcomes and reducing the risk of complications.
The Financial Impact of Immobility
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HA-VTE
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Patient Falls
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Readmissions
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HA-Pressure Injury
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HA-Pneumonia
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Daily Hospital Stay
Challenges in Addressing
Hospital-Acquired Immobility
Despite the clear benefits of early mobilization, many hospitals face challenges in implementing effective mobility programs. Barriers such as inadequate staffing, lack of equipment, fear of patient falls, and the complexity of managing patients with multiple conditions can make it difficult for healthcare providers to prioritize mobility. Additionally, the fragmented nature of healthcare systems often leads to a lack of coordination between different departments, further complicating efforts to address immobility.
RF Health’s Approach to Combating Hospital-Acquired Immobility
At RF Health, we are committed to breaking down the barriers that contribute to hospital-acquired immobility, ensuring that all forms of early mobilization become standard practice in hospitals. We recognize that one of the most significant obstacles to patient mobility in healthcare settings is the cumbersome tubes and cords associated with traditional pneumatic devices. These not only inhibit patient movement but also can contribute to low compliance rates. The MAC System addresses this issue by providing a tubeless, cordless solution that empowers patients to mobilize while adhering to therapy.
Another key challenge in combating immobility is absence of reliable tools for clinicians to track and monitor patient adherence to mobility protocols and compression therapy. The MAC System empowers healthcare professionals with real-time data on the patient, enabling them to make informed clinical decisions at the point of care. Our team understands that mobility is a priority, and our mission is to eliminate the barriers that hinder patient mobility, ultimately improving outcomes and compliance.
Learn More About
Hospital-Acquired Immobility
Contact our team today for more information on hospital-acquired immobility and how RF Health can complement your hospital mobility protocol. Together, we can improve patient outcomes.