CAHO Launches Move ON Project to Improve Patient Recovery
The Move ON campaign, initiated by the Council of Academic Hospitals (CAHO), is a multi-site project intended to educate patients and families about the risks associated with immobility and prolonged bed rest while in hospital.
Even when patients feel tired and weak, a short walk down the hallway or a few minutes of stretching can improve muscle strength and balance, which aids in recovery. Studies show that lying in bed can hinder recovery and threaten a patient’s ability to return home. Without mobilization, elderly patients can lose 1% to 5% of muscle strength each day they spend in hospital.
St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is one of 14 hospitals participating in the Move ON campaign to promote mobility across Ontario hospitals. At St. Joe’s, the project is implemented in two phases: First, pre-intervention observation occurs three times a day for ten weeks. This is followed by an eight-week post-intervention assessment, which includes education activities for staff and patients. Vince DePaul, Lead Principal Investigator, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, said, “Mobility is a basic element of every patient’s care. We’re not only solving medical issues, but we’re focusing on other aspects of the care process such as mobility. Preventing deterioration in these basic aspects of care is crucial for patient recovery.”
The Move ON project measures frequency and type of mobility and determines how front line staff can identify a patient’s mobility level. The project also promotes the idea that patient mobility is the responsibility of multiple groups including healthcare staff, caregivers and patients.
CAHO launched a public service announcement to raise awareness about the importance of mobilization while in hospital. Take a look at the Motions of Recovery video.