Implementing Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool to Improve Patient Outcomes and Staff Communication

Rose, Anastasia
Carter, Nicole
Vann, Christina
Lloyd-Penza, Mary
Andrusko, Monica

Anastasia Rose, MEd, MSN/MHA, RN, CPAN, CNE, is Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, Nursing Professional Services, VA Portland Health Care System/Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR.
Nicole Carter, MS, RN, AGCNS-BC, CNS-PP, CMSRN®, is Clinical Nurse Specialist, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.
Christina Vann, BSN, RN, is Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Program Educator, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.
Mary Lloyd-Penza, MSN, RN, is Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, Oregon Health & Science University, and VANAP Faculty, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.
Monica Andrusko, BSN, RN, HTPA, is Medical-Surgical Staff Nurse, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR.

Acknowledgments: The authors acknowledge Audra Pfund, RN; Kyle Eveland-DeWan, PT; Jennifer Delmar, RN; Ruthanne Takakawa, RN; Laurie Connolly, BSN, RN; Miriam Lain, BSN, RN; and Kole Freestone, BSN, RN.

MEDSURG Nursing 31(1):p 32-36, January-February 2022.

Nurses' role in assessing and managing patient mobility is critical due to negative consequences associated with immobility. Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT), a validated tool used to assess mobility in hospitalized patients, was implemented over 6 months on medical-surgical units. Use of the BMAT enhanced communication regarding mobility and mobility equipment, and improved patient and staff safety.