Date of Graduation
Spring 5-15-2025
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Department/Program
Public Health
Program
MSN project
First Advisor
Chelsea Reilley
Second Advisor
Bob Patterson
Third Advisor
Jennifer Zesati
Abstract
The objective of this Quality Improvement (QI) project was to increase patient ambulation rate and improve documentation compliance with Patient-reported Level of Function (PLOF) and Clinician-assessed Level of Function (CLOF) on cardiac units at a hospital in San Francisco. Literature highlights that early ambulation reduces hospital-acquired complications, length of stay, and functional decline, yet inconsistent mobility practices and documentation were identified as barriers within this microsystem. The aim of this project was to increase patient ambulation rates by 20% and achieve at least 80% of documentation compliance within four weeks. The interventions included the development and distribution of an educational flyer, in-service training, PLOF/CLOF reminders in daily shift huddles, and implementation of a mobility audit tool. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed nurse knowledge, and mobility audits measured documentation compliance and ambulation goal attainment. As a result, documentation compliance improved from 57% to 100% on unit A and from 67% to 90% on unit B. Patient mobility goal attainment rose from 71% to 74% on unit A and from 54% to 80% on unit B. Nurse knowledge survey scores also demonstrated significant improvement following training. In conclusion, structured education, clear documentation processes, and interdisciplinary collaboration successfully increased both mobility assessment compliance and early ambulation rates. The project demonstrates that practical, standardized interventions can meaningfully improve patient outcomes and practice consistency in a microsystem. Future efforts will focus on sustaining gains and expanding mobility initiatives hospital-wide.
Recommended Citation
Zhu, Will, "Empowering Nurses, Enhancing Mobility: A QI Initiative Using PLOF and CLOF to Promote Patient Ambulation" (2025). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1857.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1857
