Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a significant concern in patient care, contributing to prolonged hospital stays and increased morbidity. One effective strategy for reducing HAIs is promoting patient mobility, which has been shown to improve overall health outcomes and prevent complications.

A cultural shift in the Fremont 2 North Medical/Surgical/Telemetry unit aimed at increasing patient mobility through education, teamwork, and individualized care plans led to a measurable improvement in patient outcomes. In 2024, the department met the patient specific mobilization mobility at 79% against the target of 75%, yet with harm events of four Hospital Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) and one Hospital Acquired Pressure Injury (HAPI).

The Shared Governance team initiated a plan to improve patient mobility by identifying unclear role expectations and knowledge gaps as key barriers to meeting mobility goals. To address this, a targeted staff education was implemented through huddles, meetings, and one-on-one sessions, and clarified the roles of Registered Nurses and Patient Care Technicians.

Launched in March 2024, the initiative used daily huddle boards to track trends and celebrate progress. Ongoing evaluation included daily mobility audits, peer feedback, and accountability measures. Based on findings and staff input, strategies were refined to strengthen education, reinforce role clarity, and maintain a patient-centered approach while scaling successful practices that were sustained in 2025.

As of August 2025, the 2 North Medical/Surgical/Telemetry unit has exceeded the regional patient specific mobilization mobility at 88% with HAI reduction of two HAP and zero HAPI – indicating a direct link between increased mobility and better health outcomes. Staff reported greater satisfaction and engagement due to the collaborative culture and shared commitment to improving patient care. The introduction of individualized mobility plans had a positive impact on both patient and staff well-being.