The purpose of the study was to determine the impact of a nurse-driven mobility protocol on functional decline. A nonequivalent control group design was used; the independent variable was mobility protocol and dependent variables were functional status and length of stay. Older adults who participated in a mobility protocol maintained or improved functional status and had a reduced length of stay. Practice implications include an emphasis on ambulation in hospitalized older adults.

There are inherent difficulties in assessing and managing pain in elderly trauma patients, especially those with chronic health conditions or diminished capacities for self-reporting pain. This retrospective study identifies and describes patterns of pain assessment for a trauma population of older adults (age ≥65 years). Gaps between patient assessments existed in all phases of hospitalization and did not meet hospital guidelines for frequency of assessment. In addition, assessment methods were not always appropriate for the patient population. We conclude that older patients were not assessed for pain frequently enough, and that more regular and routine pain assessments may improve patient outcomes.