High-risk manual handling of patients continues as the standard practice among many direct patient care providers, contributing to caregiver injuries, and negatively impacting patient outcomes. Falls, functional decline, and pressure ulcers share two predisposing factors; older age, and low mobility. Better outcomes are achieved by using progressive early mobility and getting patients out of bed.

Using a standardized assessment tool to determine a patient’s mobility status has potential to significantly impact patient outcomes. The Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool (BMAT) is a nurse-driven assessment of patient mobility. The nurse guides a patient through this four-step functional task sequence to identify the patient’s capability. Finally, the tool recommends appropriate equipment to safely lift, transfer and mobilize the patient.

Numerous healthcare systems have implemented the BMAT with their acute care adult patients to minimize risk of injury for both caregivers and patients. One large integrated healthcare system experienced a significant reduction in workers’ compensation claim costs after implementing this tool system wide.