Authors (including presenting author) :
Tsang NP(1), Isabella Fong LY(1), Man SL(1), Pearl Au Yeung PY(1), Tong YC(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Geriatric & Rehabilitation Unit, Haven of Hope Hospital
Introduction :
Enhancing patients’ mobilization and fall prevention are critical goals in rehabilitation service, especially elderly. The consequences of fall may result in fractures, lacerations, or internal bleeding, leading to increased health care utilization. Therefore, a walking device, Merry Walker (MW) has been introduced to geriatric wards in Haven of Hope Hospital since June 2018. Use of MW to assist fall risk elderly to walk not only have fall prevention concern but also benefit for patients who do not have physical therapy (PT) during weekends
Objectives :
This study aims to examine: 1.Patients’ satisfaction in using MW 2.Patients’ perceived effect of MW in enhancing mobilization and rehabilitation 3.Patients’ fall rate in using MW
Methodology :
Nurses consulted physiotherapist to select eligible patients in wards with following criteria: 1. Patients are at least able to walk with assistance; 2. Patients may have risk of fall; 3. Patients have rehabilitation potential. Then, patients were trained to use MW during hospitalization, especially during non-PT training time. Clear instruction and supervision were given to patients before use of Merry Walker. One week after using MW, patients were invited to complete a questionnaire.
Result & Outcome :
Thirty participants joined this study from June to December 2018. The overall satisfaction rate for using MW was 100%, and 98% of participants agreed use of MW enhanced mobilization and rehabilitation during hospitalization, especially in the non-PT training time. About 96% of participants reported feeling safe and increased in confidence after using MW. No fall was reported in using MW. For overcoming the challenge of enhancing mobilization for fall risk elderly and facilitating walking exercise during the non-PT training time, use of Merry Walker is an appropriate choice in this trail.
Co-location with:
