Date of Graduation
Fall 12-13-2024
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Program
MSN project
First Advisor
Jennifer Zesati
Abstract
Objective: Patient immobility during hospitalization contributes to avoidable complications including increased length of stay, pressure injuries, thromboembolic events, reduced functional capacity, and increased rates of discharge to rehabilitation facilities. The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) was developed to empower Registered Nurses to safely assess and mobilize patients without a physical therapy evaluation. Aim: This quality improvement projects aims to enhance nurse compliance with BMAT documentation by 10% in three medical-surgical units of a 244-bed Northern California Hospital. Preliminary findings indicate an average daily patient census of 23.7 of which only 31.3% are assessed using the BMAT. Methods: Across a six-week intervention period, nurses were educated on the procedure for assessing patients utilizing the BMAT, the significance of its use, and hospital expectations regarding documentation. Preliminary data was collected using the electronic health record to analyze the number of BMATs performed across an initial four-day observation period. Post-intervention data was collected over 15-days using the same method. The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework was used to assess intervention efficacy. Results: The post-intervention data reflected an average daily patient census of 23.6 of which only 24.4% of patients were assessed. Conclusion: Upon conclusion of educational interventions aimed to promote BMAT significance and increase documentation compliance, it was found that the compliance with documentation decreased. To improve documentation compliance, the hospital will need to ensure the BMAT documentation is no longer optional, but part of required documentation. Until the documentation is required, nursing staff will continue to be non-compliant with documentation.
Recommended Citation
Bernard, Hayley M., "Improving Documentation Compliance and Patient Mobility Using the Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool" (2024). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1818.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1818
