Complete Lifestyle Management Program Intervention

Hospital-associated disability (HAD) occurs when patients are admitted to the hospital for acute treatment, but experience an extended stay resulting in reduced functional independence (1,2). Approximately one third of older adults will become disabled as an unintended consequence of hospital admission, resulting in a significantly increased risk of being institutionalized after discharge (1–4). Frail older adults are at a higher risk of functional decline, increased length of stay, delirium, and increased morbidity and mortality (1,5). Functional decline is measured by the loss of at least one activity of daily living (ADL) which negatively impacts quality of life and can result in patients being transitioned to an alternate level of care (ALC) designation (6). Maintaining and increasing mobility while in hospital is believed to significantly impact the patient’s ability to retain functional independence during hospital admission. Acute care inpatients will sometimes remain in bed for all or most of the day, even for meals. This is especially true when barriers such as pain, medical lines/tubes, and reduced strength are present. This study will investigate the impact of having a dedicated mobility staff to support regular patient mobilization/transfer out of bed at mealtimes for geriatric acute-care inpatients.

Faculty Supervisor:

Norah McRae

Student:

Partner:

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare and West Parry Sound Health Centre

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: