August 2023 ASPHP Newsletter

Editor: Beth Furlong, PhD, JD, RN

August 2023 Guest Column

The Value of Using A Mobility Screen With Your Patients

Margaret Arnold, PT, CEES, CSPHP

One of the greatest challenges to full utilization and implementation of safe patient handling and mobility programs is the perceived increase in time it takes to use equipment, and the time it takes to choose the right equipment.

 

The reality of staff shortages, with no clear relief in sight, highlights the importance of optimizing all team members. For safe patient handling and mobility programs to be successful, all care team members must be on the same page about mobility and use of SPHM assistive technology. When it comes to terminology and language around mobility and assistive devices, it is very helpful to have everyone speaking the same language.

 

There are much mobility “assessments” to choose from, but the word assessment denotes that this can only be done by a licensed caregiver such as RN, PT, OT etc. Patient assessment is the term used to describe the process of identification of the condition, needs, abilities and preferences of a patient. Unlicensed staff are not qualified to assess a patient using this definition.

This has been problematic for many healthcare institutions in the safe patient handling and mobility sphere because unlicensed caregivers such as assistants and aids provide most of the mobility assistance.

 

The Veterans Affairs Mobility Screening and Solutions Tool (VAMSST) is a reliable and validated communications tools developed for use and tested across all caregivers, both licensed and unlicensed, to guide appropriate use of assistive technology to help patients safely move while under care, regardless of the care setting. Readers are referred to the following open access article to review the screening tool and psychometric testing in detail.

 

1. Melillo C, Rugs D, Toyinbo P, Barrett B, Chavez M, Cowan L, Wyatt S, Arnold M, Hilton P, Martin M, Earwood J. Reliability and validity of the Veterans Administration Mobility Screening and Solutions Tool. BMC Health Services Research. 2022 Dec;22(1):1-1.

 

In this newsletter, I want to highlight some experiences from clinicians who have used the tool. For all of the caregivers, the initial reaction was “We do not have time to do more assessments or screens” however, once they realized that it was not a big change from what they were already doing, but rather a systematic way to do what they do in a step-wize progression, and the tool simply provided a way all do it the same way regardless of discipline or care setting, they quickly realized that it actually made their jobs easier, saved them time and improved their patient outcomes. Some of the quotes from clinicians who have implemented the tool are included below:

 

“Initially staff saw the mobility screen as “Physical Therapists’ job” but reminding them improving patient outcomes, preventing falls, and improving the quality of patient care is everyone’s responsibility to help overcome this challenge”.

 

“Using the tool has improved patient care on the unit. Patients who cannot be seen by physical therapy services for a couple days are able to be safely and effectively assessed for mobility status and challenges, and many can be mobilized safely and do not even need therapy. In the past we would have waited, and the patient would have gotten weaker”.

 

“This screen had a positive impact on patient outcomes. Short term, it allowed patients to achieve their maximum level of independence. A great example is using the Steady aid to assist a patient in taking a shower, when otherwise the patient likely would have gotten a bed bath”. Not only is this an improvement in care from a mobility standpoint, but also in the patient’s personal hygiene and risk of infection. It also improved patient morale and satisfaction with their hospital stay”.

 

“Instead of walking out to the parking lot and wondering how I am going to get the patient into the building? I now walk out and start shaking their hands and mentally checking level pass! Instead of trying to have the patient stand up from the wheelchair without knowing if they can do it, I have them lift their legs and point their toes while mentally checking level 2 pass! I have found that each time I incorporate the steps, the faster I am able to process the levels. I have had a few nurses look at me with a curious look now and then and ask me, “What are you doing?”, which then sparks a conversation. Honestly, it’s kind of easy after that because once the conversation is started my peers find it as “trick of the trade” and not a hassle.”

 

“The best practice for implementing the mobility screen was adding it to my normal morning shift assessment. I received a report for a patient that developed stroke symptoms and was admitted through the emergency department the previous shift. The patient arrived at the unit via stretcher and was transferred to the bed using the Hovermat. The patient’s mobility was not assessed during the previous shift and the patient had been on bed rest. During my shift assessment, I had the patient sit on the side of the bed and began the mobility screen, the patient was found to be ambulatory without need of assistive devices. He was able to ambulate to the chair and commode without assistance and we allowed him to walk through the halls with staff assistance on standby, this greatly improved the patient’s mood. Family members came to visit and commented on how well he looked and were pleased by his appearance and ability to ambulate and provide self-care. The patient was discharged the next day after stroke was ruled out. Had we not done a mobility screen, this patient could have stayed in bed for another couple of days until therapy came to work with him and by then he would already be deconditioned”.

 

“Completing the mobility screen at the beginning of the shift enabled me to get the necessary equipment and mobility aids at the bedside and guarantee their availability prior to the need for use. For example, a patient required assistance standing, I was able to have the Sara Steady nearby and when the patient urgently needed to use the bathroom the Sara Steady was readily available, and the patient was able to go to the toilet instead of soiling the bed or using a bed pan”.

 

“I did use the screen one morning early in my shift. The patient could sit and shake, point and stretch, and stand and step unassisted to get up to chair. However, he did not walk very well when more than a couple of steps. He was unsteady and was at high fall risk. The screen helped me plan his care and told me the equipment I would need to help mobilize him during his hospital stay. It showed me also how strong he was becoming day after day. It also made me realize how a person can become debilitated quickly and how much strength they gain when they are properly mobilized. This alone is worth the extra time and effort to ensure better quality of care and a better quality of life for our nation’s heroes”.

The bottom line is a mobility screen helps all team members speak the same language, and is a conduit to earlier, safer mobility for all involved. 

Don’t miss our webinar on October 25 at 2pm EST where Margaret Arnold will be doing a live demonstration and discussion of how to incorporate into daily care and use the results of the screen to drive safer care and further improve patient outcomes.

 

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SPHM Education in Health Care Student Curriculum – A White Paper

The Curriculum subcommittee of the ASPHP Education Committee wants to share with you the White Paper we wrote about SPHM and Curriculum. 

Information in this paper can be used by schools for health care students, SPHM practitioners and health care organizations to help develop SPHM education materials.

Please feel free to share this resource with other SPHM professionals and especially with any schools of nursing, physical and occupational therapy, nursing assistants etc.

Download A Copy

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ASPHP Member Resources

ASPHP needs 2 minutes of your time! Please use the below link or QR code to respond to our 2-question survey. Your response will help us with some future projects we have in the planning phase, so we need your input! Thank you in advance for your response. 

 

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Call for Oral Abstracts – ASPHP National SPHM Education Event 2024

Are you a pioneer in Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM)? Share your insights and innovations with the SPHM community at the ASPHP National SPHM Education Event 2024!   Submission Deadline: September 18, 2023  Download Submission Form from our website. We’re seeking engaging and dynamic oral abstracts that explore the forefront of SPHM practices, research, and advancements. This is your chance to showcase your expertise, drive conversation, and shape the future of SPHM. Topics may include (but are not limited to): Innovative SPHM Technologies Best Practices in SPHM Training Patient-Centered SPHM Approaches SPHM in Challenging Clinical Settings Data-Driven SPHM Solutions Selected abstract presenters will not only contribute to the advancement of SPHM but also gain recognition and networking opportunities on a national stage. Don’t miss your chance to be a driving force in shaping SPHM practices! Submit your oral abstract by September 18, 2023. Questions? Contact Annie Wiest at awiest@asphp.org.  Let’s come together to revolutionize SPHM and create a safer, more efficient healthcare environment. Submit your abstract today!   Susan Gallagher, PhD, RN, CSPHP 2024 ASPHP National SPHM Education Event

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Elevate Your Excellence: Save the Date

Get ready to ignite your passion for excellence at the upcoming National Event! Mark your calendar and join us for an inspiring day that will elevate your knowledge, connections, and career. Event Date: March 4-7, 2024 Event Location: San Diego, CA Unlock a world of possibilities as we bring together thought leaders, innovators, and professionals like you. Together, we’ll shape the future, share insights, and create lasting memories. Stay tuned for registration details and a glimpse into the exciting lineup we have prepared for you. Your presence will make all the difference, so don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity.

 

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ASPHP webinar sponsorship opportunities

Sponsorship opportunities for Association of Safe Patient Handling Professionals 2023 webinars are going fast. Only a few remain, so sponsor today.

 

The webinars combine the knowledge and experience from safe patient-handling and mobility professionals who bring real-life experience on the topics. Marketed to SPHM professionals and presented to registered attendees, each webinar is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 15826, for one contact hour.

This is a perfect opportunity for an organization to make the SPHM education available for free by sponsoring a webinar while also increasing awareness of your organization.

Check out the current* webinar topics for 2023:

• SPHM and Pediatrics (Oct. 11)
• SPHM and Car Extraction (Nov. 8)

*Webinar topics and dates subject to change. Additional topics will be added when available.

ASPHP corporate sponsors receive a discounted rate to sponsor a webinar. Each webinar has an exclusive sponsorship opportunity, so contact Annie Wiest at awiest@asphp.org for topic availability. Then complete our Webinar Commercial Support Agreement.

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Thanks to Lynda Enos for assisting on many initiatives within the Governance Committee, including the review of our organization’s bylaws and collaboration with other societies on educational white papers. We appreciate Lynda’s substantial knowledge, proactive attitude, and attention to every detail.

 

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ASPHP and the Board of Directors would like to thank:

for their renewed Bronze Sponsorship. THANK YOU!

Medline offers a comprehensive line of products for safe patient handling activities including patient lifts, slings, repositioning aids, air transfer devices, and more. Along with our extensive line of products, Medline offers the first of its kind Uplift Safe Mobility Program. Uplift is the first integrated solution designed to keep caregivers and patients safe through every stage of progressive mobility in one easy-to-implement program. This holistic educational program that combines safe patient handling, progressive mobility and falls management, is a partnership that delivers continuous clinical support to your team. Learn more about Medline Industries: Visit medline.com 1-800-Medline | service@medline.com

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ASPHP and the Board of Directors would like to thank:

for their renewed Bronze Sponsorship. THANK YOU!

At Alpha Modalities, we design and manufacture patient slings with safety and comfort in mind. Because we offer both loop and chip attachment options, all of our slings are compatible with all North American ceiling and floor lift systems. We offer Washable, Wipeable, and Single Patient Use slings. All of our slings are manufactured in the USA. Learn more about Alpha Modalities: Visit alphamodalities.com 800-273-5749 | info@alphamodalities.com

 

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ASPHP and the Board of Directors would like to thank:

for their renewed Silver Sponsorship. THANK YOU!

Seneca Devices specializes in complete patient repositioning solutions using pneumatics to single-handedly, boost, turn and offload patients at the push of a button. A quick and easy install of the mattress overlay and control unit enables us to retrofit existing hospital beds with a modern technology that streamlines Q2 protocols, alleviates the need for calling additional clinical staff and takes the strain off of the caregiver. Learn more about Seneca Devices: Visit senecadevices.com 844-473-6322 | info@senecadevices.com