NewsDetail
Enaya Specialized Care Center, part of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), has successfully implemented a program to increase the mobility of its bed bound residents.
Eighty to ninety per cent of the patients admitted to Enaya Specialized Care Center are bedbound and unable to move or change position. The mobility program is aimed at reducing the problems associated with this immobility.
Lack of mobility can lead to a number of problems ranging from musculoskeletal issues which occur when muscles which are not being used to pulmonary problems caused by lying flat. This can lead to fluid building in the lungs and blood pooling in the chest area. Skin damage can also sometimes occur, resulting in pressure sores and ulcers from pressure placed on parts of the body which are in contact with the bed.
Loss of bone density is also another common problem associated with prolonged bed rest. This is due to bones in the body, particularly the leg bones, no longer performing their normal weight-bearing function.
In addition to physical problems, activity and social participation are also limited from being confined to a room. This can lead to increased risk of various mental health and cognitive issues, including anxiety, depression, irritability, apathy, sleep disturbances and confusion. Such physical and psychological effects of bed rest can all have a serious impact on health.
To decrease the prevalence of such problems associated with long term bed rest and increase residents’ quality of life, Enaya Specialized Care Center has initiated a new seating program for all new admissions as well as all existing bedbound patients who are fit enough to sit.
As part of the program, residents’ physiological, cognitive and physical status is assessed to determine their suitability to participate. If the outcome is positive, sitting is initiated to determine how well it is tolerated by the resident. If successful, discussions are initiated with facility administration to equip appropriate wheelchairs for the residents. The wheelchair seating is then complemented by gym therapy sessions to optimize the benefits of the residents’ increased mobility.
HMC’s Chief of Continuing Care Group, Mr. Mahmoud Al Raisi said the Corporation’s commitment to delivering safe, effective and compassionate care meant finding ways to improve how we deliver that care.
“The mobility program has proved to be extremely successful, with the number of residents mobilized from bed to wheelchair increasing from 23 percent in 2011 to 84 percent in 2015,” said Mr. Al Raisi. “This program is having a significant positive impact on the lives of bed-bound long term residents and we will continue to implement new and innovative strategies to improve their quality of life.”
