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Nursing & Health Sciences Research Journal

Abstract

Background: Prolonged immobility in hospitalized patients is prevalent and associated with hospital-acquired functional decline and other adverse hospital outcomes. Early mobilization (EM) of hospitalized patients reduces the incidence of hospital-acquired conditions. Therefore, early identification of patients’ mobility status and EM are essential. Evidence shows that using the Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) promotes early mobility and improved patient outcomes. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the BMAT assessment on patient outcomes (falls, hospital-acquired pressure injuries [HAPIs], and length of stay [LOS]). Methods: This was an IRB-approved retrospective research study. Data were collected from patient records for the timeframe of June 2022 through March 2023. Results: Data were analyzed from 1,055 patients’ medical records. Spearman Rho’s correlation analysis showed significant relationships between patients’ age and discharge disposition (r = .332, p < .001) and between patients’ age and BMAT level (r = -.557, p < .001). There were no other significant relationships. Fall rates decreased by 23.1%, and LOS decreased by 2.1%. Discussion: Although the correlation results suggested younger patients had higher BMAT scores and were more likely to be discharged to their homes, these results do not fully answer the research questions. However, the results related to the department metrics suggest that implementing the BMAT may have positively impacted fall rates and LOS. Follow-up research will examine the correlation between the sample as it relates to falls, HAPIs, and LOS for comparison with the departments’ overall metrics.

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