The AM-PAC IMSF and JH-HLM had excellent interrater reliability and test-retest reliability for both physical therapists and nurses. The evaluation of convergent validity suggested that AM-PAC IMSF and JH-HLM measured constructs of patient mobility and physical functioning.

Aim: Characterize the relationship between patient ambulatory status and in-hospital call bell use.Background: Although call bells are frequently used by patients to request help, the relationship between physical functioning and call bell use has not been evaluated. Methods:Retrospective cohort study of 944 neuroscience patients hospitalized in a large academic urban medical centre between April 1, 2014 and August 1, 2014. We conducted multiple linear regression analyses with number of daily call bells from each patient as the primary outcome and patients' average ambulation status as the primary exposure variable. Results:The mean number of daily call bell requests for all patients was 6.9 (6.1), for ambulatory patients 5.6 (4.8), and for non-ambulatory patients, it was 7.7 (6.6).Compared with non-ambulatory patients, ambulatory patients had a mean reduction in call bell use by 1.7 (95% CI 2.5 to −0.93, p < .001) calls per day. In a post hoc analysis, patients who could walk >250 feet had 5 fewer daily call bells than patients who were able to perform in-bed mobility.Conclusion: Ambulatory patients use their call bells less frequently than non-ambulatory patients.Implications for Nursing Management: Frequent use of call bells by non-ambulatory patients can place additional demands on nursing staff; patient mobility status should be considered in nurse workload/patient assignment. | 55CAPO-LUGO et AL.

Background: The CentriMag Extracorporeal Blood Pumping System is an effective means of temporary ventricular support for patients acutely decompensating from cardiac shock. Out-of-bed activities are not currently recommended by the manufacturer, leaving patients functionally limited and restricted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Purpose: This report aims to describe progression of functional mobility and ambulation with CentriMag ventricular assist device (VAD) equipment using appropriate clinical reasoning and multidisciplinary collaboration. Methods: Functional mobility activities were initiated on the first physical therapy (PT) session and progressed throughout the length of stay and included sit–stand transfers, bed–chair transfers, standing activities, and ambulation. Outcomes: The patient remained in the cardiovascular surgical ICU for 30 days and received PT for 13 total treatment sessions with 4 different physical therapists without adverse events. Out-of-bed activities were performed during all 13 PT sessions and the average session duration was 49.8 minutes. Ambulation was documented on 9/13 sessions and on the days the patient ambulated, and the average distance was approximately 183 feet. The patient was seen on 7 occasions with biventricular assist device CentriMag devices and 6 occasions with the concurrent CentriMag right VAD–HeartMate II left VAD. Discussion: As the technology and scope of application for VADs continues to progress, it is imperative that the acute care PT understands the complexities, risks, and benefits of functional mobility in critically ill patients. Conclusion: This report suggests that mobilization with CentriMag devices is feasible, without adverse events, using appropriate clinical decision-making, and suggests that patients who ambulate under multiple conditions of CentriMag VADs may demonstrate functional improvements.

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