5 Early Mobility Solutions to Optimize Veteran Recovery from In-Bed to Out-of-Bed Mobilization
The significance of early mobility in the rehabilitation of war veterans cannot be overstated. In fact, muscle wasting occurs early and rapidly during the first week of critical illness, with losses of up to 20% seen for those in multi organ failure1. By promoting movement at the earliest stages of recovery, we can unlock a multitude of clinical benefits and significantly improve the quality of life for our brave veterans.
In this article, we will explore the importance of early mobility and highlight Arjo's Early Mobility solutions, including the Total Lift Bed™ for in-bed mobilization, AirPal® for patient transfer out of bed, Maxi Sky® ceiling lift for seated transfers, Sara® Combilizer for out-of-bed mobilization and Sara® Plus for Out-of-Bed balance, stepping and gait training. We invite VA healthcare facilities to explore our ICU Early Mobility Solution and take proactive steps towards optimizing the recovery journey of our esteemed veterans.
Benefits of Early Mobilization
Early mobilization offers a range of benefits for both the patients and the VA healthcare facilities. For patients, early mobilization has been shown to reduce the degree of muscle loss associated with prolonged bed rest2,3. It helps improve the functional status of patients at hospital discharge4, enhances their walking ability3, and contributes to an improved health-related quality of life3. Additionally, early mobilization has been found to reduce the incidence and duration of delirium4.
For VA healthcare facilities, implementing early mobilization programs can lead to significant cost reductions. It has been associated with reduced ICU and hospital length of stay5,6,7, increased patient flow6,7, and reduced duration of mechanical ventilation5,6,4. These factors contribute to lower healthcare costs and improved resource utilization. Furthermore, early mobilization can help reduce readmissions and increase patient satisfaction levels.
Our Early Mobility Solutions
Arjo offers a range of early mobility products, education, assessment, and early mobility programs that promote optimal rehabilitation outcomes for veterans. These solutions are designed to facilitate safe and effective mobilization at different stages of the recovery process. Here are four products that support patient early mobility in different mobility stages from in-bed mobilization to out-of-bed mobilization.
The Total Lift Bed is an advanced profiling bed that enables progressive movement to full standing and weight-bearing with the assistance of one or two caregivers. It aids in early rehabilitation during the acute phase of critical illness.
Watch the Total Lift Bed introduction video:
The AirPal air-assisted patient transfer system provides a safe and efficient solution for transferring patients out of bed. It assists with the transfer and repositioning of patients who are unable to move independently.
Watch the AirPal introduction video:
The Maxi Sky ceiling lift can be used for seated transfers and offers a convenient and secure way to move patients between different locations within the healthcare facility.
Watch the Maxi Sky introduction video:
Sara Combilizer is a versatile aid that enables out-of-bed mobilization for critically ill patients. It supports mobilization therapy as early as the patient's clinical status allows, reducing complications associated with immobility.
Watch the Sara Combilizer introduction video:
Sara Plus is a powered standing and raising aid designed for operation by a single caregiver that facilitates active transfers as well as balance, stepping and gait training. With the patient sitting on the edge of the bed, Sara Plus can support rehabilitation activities and can be used to encourage the patient to stand and sit independently and engage in functional activities that can help improve static and dynamic balance and weight transfer.
Watch the Sara Plus introduction video:
Sara® Stedy is a non-powered device that supports early mobility initiatives by enabling a single caregiver to assist sit-to-stand activities for patients. Sara Stedy simplifies everyday transfers and can encourages patients to be active during sitting to standing transfers.
Watch the Sara Stedy introduction video:
ICU Early Mobility Solution Clinical Evidence
Early mobilization has been demonstrated to be safe and feasible for patients admitted to critical care. Implementing programs of early mobility has shown numerous benefits for both patients and healthcare organizations. It is now included as a key component in national protocols and international guidelines8-10.
Download our ICU early mobilization clinical evidence summary. You will learn about:
- Key body systems impacted by immobility in critically ill patients
- The benefits of and barriers to early mobilization
- Assessment of patient readiness for mobility
- Methods and solutions from in-bed to out-of-bed mobilization
Meet with Our Experts
Embracing early mobility as a fundamental pillar of rehabilitation for US veterans is an opportunity to optimize their recovery journey and enhance their overall well-being. To benefit from our Early Mobility Solution and provide the best care for our veterans, book a demonstration of our Early Mobility solutions with our experts. We look forward to assisting you in providing exceptional care to our esteemed veterans.
References:
- Puthacheary Z, Rawal J, Mcphail M, et al. Acute skeletal muscle wasting in critical illness. J Am Med Assoc. 2013;310:1591–600
- Chiang LL, Wang LY, Wu CP, et al: Effects of physical training on functional status in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation. Phys Ther 2006; 86:1271–1281
- Burtin C, Clerckx B, Robbeets C, et al: Early exercise in critically ill patients enhances short-term functional recovery. Crit Care Med.2 2009; 37:2499–2505
- Schweickert W, Pohlman MC, Pohlman AS, Nigos C, Pawlik AJ, Esbrook CL, et al.Early physical and occupational therapy in mechanically ventilated, critically illpatients: a randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2009;373:1874–82.13
- Morris PE, Berry MJ, Files DC, Thompson JC, Hauser J, Flores L, et al. Standardized rehabilitation and hospital length of stay among patients with acute respiratory failure. J Am Med Assoc. 2016;315(24):2694–9.
- Mcwilliams D, Weblin J, Atkins G, et al. Enhancing rehabilitation of mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit: a
- Needham D, Korupolu R, Zanni JM, et al. Early physical medicine and rehabilitation for patients with acute respiratory failure: A quality improvement project. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2010; 91:536-542
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE]. (2009) Rehabilitation after critical illness. London: NICE (Nice guideline no 83)
- Baron R, Binder A, Biniek R, et al. Evidence and consensus based guideline for the management of delirium, analgesia, and sedation in intensive care medicine. (DAS- Revised Guideline 2015) - short version. Ger Med Sci. 2015 Nov 12;13:Doc19.
- Devlin JW, YOanna S, Gelinas C, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Pain, Agitation/Sedation, Delirium, Immobility, and Sleep Disruption in Adult Patients in the ICU. Critical care Medicine. 2018; 46(9)
