Groves Memorial Community Hospital [GMCH] is implementing a new strategy called MoveON to encourage senior patients to stay active while they are admitted to the hospital.
“Patients often think that when they are in hospital they should stay in bed to recover. This may be true is some cases, but we also know that senior patients can lose up to 5% of their muscle strength per day while here” explains Laura Burns, GMCH Elder Life Specialist.
Mobilization of Vulnerable Elders in Ontario (MoveON) program was initiated by researchers at the University of Toronto who recognized the need to promote early mobilization and prevent functional decline in geriatric patients. Research has shown that patients can reduce their length of stay in hospital by at least 1.5 days by walking around their rooms and unit, starting on the first day of admission (Shadmi & Zisberg, 2011).
Groves Hospital staff and volunteers will start using the MoveON framework which focuses on mobilizing patients at least three times per day and assessing mobility within 24 hours of admission to the hospital. “We cannot stress enough the importance of staying active while in hospital” says GMCH physiotherapist, Denise Fess. Keeping our patients functionally well is a shared responsibility; staff, Hospital Elder Life Program volunteers, patients and family members all have a role in helping patients to walk, exercise or participate in self-cares based on their ability.
“If you come to the hospital, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to get moving as soon as possible”, says Kathy Kooiman, Geriatric Emergency Management Nurse.
“Ask your healthcare team what you can do to stay active while you are in the hospital.”
For more information check out www.gmch.ca
