Arjo Mobility Gallery
The Mobility Gallery is an assessment and communication tool based on different levels of functional mobility; from completely mobile and independent residents/patients, to those who are entirely bedridden, named in alphabetic order from Albert to Emma.
The Mobility Gallery will aid development of a higher standard of care, stemming from insight into - and monitoring of - the requirements and preconditions for this type of care, as well as for the wellbeing of caregivers. Choices relating to care are preferably based on conscientious resident/patient assessments, and we must recognise the fact that there is no such thing as a typical resident/patient. In order to plan our residents/patients’ care, these choices need to be conscious and well balanced. In other words, as well as tailoring care to each and every individual, there also needs to be some sort of standardisation. A classification system can be part of this.
The five levels of mobility are the basis of the Mobility Gallery. Stimulating mobility and ultimately respecting passivity is crucial from a quality of care perspective (Lahmann et al, 2014).
Background information
Clinicians recognise the fact that comprehensive functional mobility assessment of residents/patients is central to maximising the patients’ physical and cognitive performance and their quality of life. There are studies that empirically support this. (Hawes et al, 1997, Wald et al, 2018).
Introducing the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) assessment system within the United States Long Term Care facilities significantly improved resident/patient outcomes in four crucial areas: ADL function, cognitive function, urinary continence and social engagement (Phillips et al, 1997). The RAI as such provides a useful tool for quality monitoring and to inform quality improvement programs and initiatives (Hutchinson et al, 2010).
There was also an increase in the assessment of potential for improved functionality in residents. Development of the Arjo Mobility Gallery is partly based on this RAI (RAI MDS Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual, Version 1.16, October 2018), which was validated and included in ISO/TR 12296:2012.
