Implementation and Assessment of the BE-FIT Program

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

BE-FIT exercise program: BE-FIT is an evidence-based exercise program that focuses on early mobilization and recovery by minimizing bed rest, promoting functional tasks, and encouraging self-management. The intervention ist based on the Mobilization of Vulnerable Elders (MOVE) program and consists of a bedside exercise plan, done independently by the patient without the need for additional rehabilitation or healthcare staff.

Study summary

Lengthy hospitalization and immobility can lead to muscle loss resulting in reduced recovery rates and prolonged hospital stay or readmission. Older adults discharged from hospitals are at an increased risk for functional decline, falls and disability. Daily exercise and physical activities have proven to enhance the recovery and discharge process for older patients from the hospital and ultimately save vast amounts of dollars each year. The aim of this study is to initiate early mobilization and decrease the rate of functional decline in post-surgical older adults' patients in the acute care hospital setting in Alberta, Canada. The investigators are implementing a BE-FIT (BEdside reconditioning for Functional ImprovemenTs) a quality improvement, evidence-based exercise program that focuses on early mobilization and recovery by minimizing bed rest, promoting functional tasks, and encouraging self-management. Patients enrolled in the program will receive a bedside exercise plan to be completed independently throughout their stay in the hospital. Control patients will receive usual care without the added exercise plan. Patient mobility during their hospital stay will be assessed pre and post BE-FIT initiation according to a predetermined mobility scoring system. Secondary outcomes will include: time-to-mobility, length of stay, complication incidence and hospitalization costs.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• The change in percentage of 'Out of bed' observations — A quasi-experimental unblinded interrupted time-series (ITS) design will be conducted in three phases: pre-intervention/(10 weeks); during intervention (16 weeks); post-intervention (20 weeks).
  The primary outcome is the change in percentage of 'out of bed' observations among older surgery patients assessed for baseline audits (Pre-intervention), compared to audits in the intervention phase, and compared to audits post-intervention. The research team will perform visual audits 6 times/week (three times/day, two days/week or two times/day, three times/week), and will record patient identification numbers and types of mobility observed using the MOVE's audit tool. Frequencies (percentage) of out-of-bed will be compared to frequencies (percentage) of in-bed events.

Trial sites (1)

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