Date of Graduation

Spring 5-15-2025

Document Access

Restricted Project/Capstone - USF access only

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

College/School

School of Nursing and Health Professions

Program

MSN project

First Advisor

Jennifer Zesati MSN, RN

Abstract

Objective: To ensure patient safety, promote early mobilization, and patient's overall well-being, proper bedside mobility equipment is important (Gabele et al., 2023). Hospital A introduced the Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT 2.0) to improve safety and efficiently mobilize patients. Wu et al. (2018) mentioned that prolonged immobility is linked to several health issues, such as pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pneumonia. However, only 31.4% of RNs and CNAs demonstrate competency with BMAT 2.0. Low competency in using BMAT 2.0 led to patient safety and overall health and overuse of physical therapy (PT) resources and the lift team, resulting in workflow inefficiencies and delayed care. Aims: This quality improvement (QI) project aims to increase the percentage of RNs and CNAs who effectively use BMAT 2.0 to promote early mobilization, safety, and overall health by 20%, from 31.4% to 51.4%, by April 22, 2025. The project empowers the independence of RNs and CNAs towards mobility assessment by strengthening their competency and confidence in applying BMAT 2.0. Methods: Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model, a two-week in-service training was conducted in March 2025 in two medical-surgical units. The in-service training included a scenario-based education focused on real-life patient mobility cases, identifying proper mobility equipment, appropriate equipment use, and locating the equipment on the units. Flyers and reminders were used to promote participation in the in-service training, and pre-and post-surveys were used to assess self-reported knowledge, familiarity, and confidence with BMAT 2.0. Results: Post-survey data showed significant improvement in competency. "Extremely knowledgeable" increased from 5.9% to 17.1%, and "knowledgeable" increased from 31.4% to 56.6%. Additionally, RNs and CNAs' awareness of where to locate mobility equipment increased from 56.9% to 92.1%. Although limitations such as limited access to the survey due to QR code and time constraints, the in-service training was well received and increased the overall competency of RNs and CNAs with BMAT 2.0. Conclusions: The BMAT 2.0 in-service training successfully improved RNs' and CNAs' knowledge, confidence, familiarity, and independence, with BMAT 2.0. It promoted patient safety and overall health, reduced unnecessary PT and life team consults, and supported early mobilization. For sustainability and broader impact, recommendations, such as quarterly ongoing refresher in-service training and expansion to other units, are needed. The success of this quality improvement project demonstrated the value of structured education in supporting RNs and CNAs and improving patient outcomes.

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