Getting patients out of bed and moving as soon as it is safe reduces harm and deconditioning, shortens hospital stays and supports recovery.
Risks of staying in bed
Staying in bed unnecessarily raises the risk of:
- functional decline and deconditioning
- muscle wasting
- longer hospital stays
- medical complications, such as deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, delirium and infection
- pressure injuries
- incontinence and constipation.
Support safe, early mobilisation
Every patient should have an individualised mobility plan that clearly outlines how they can move safely. The plan should include:
- the level of assistance required
- any mobility aids or equipment needed
- distance or endurance limitations
- verbal cues that support safe gait and mobility
- any fluctuations in mobility or assistance needs (for example, differences between daytime and overnight).
Clear, consistent communication of the mobility plan enables all members of the healthcare team to provide safe, person-centred care.
Proactive discussion within the multidisciplinary team, including the treating medical team, is essential to determine when it is safe for a patient to mobilise following the identification of a mobility-related risk or clinical concern. Early review and clear documentation help ensure patients are not kept on bed rest unnecessarily due to a presumed rather than confirmed risk, supporting timely mobilisation and reducing the harms associated with prolonged immobility.
Explore resources on safe and early mobilisation