Mobility is essential for patients in the hospital setting. It helps to prevent complications and allows patients to participate in their own care. Hospital staff should encourage and facilitate patient mobility.

There are many benefits of patient mobility, including:

• • Improved circulation

  • Decreased risk of pressure ulcers

  • Enhanced respiratory function

  • Improved mental status and well-being

Hospital staff can support patient mobility by:

• • Assisting with transfers and ambulation

  • Providing appropriate equipment (e.g., walkers, canes)

  • Ensuring the environment is safe and free of obstacles

  • Encouraging patients to take breaks throughout the day to move around

Understanding patient mobility and its progression and decline allows clinicians to better understand the patients overall path to recovery.