Move it May campaign

• Increase the knowledge, skills and self-efficacy of older persons admitted to hospital/residing in residential aged care facilities about movement, its impact on deconditioning and its importance in falls prevention.
• Increase the awareness in clinical staff of the impact of hospital stays/residing in residential aged care facilities on deconditioning and increased falls risk.
• Increase ownership and accoutablity by clinical staff for patient/resident mobility and falls prevention in hospitals and residential aged care facilities.
• Increase the self efficacy in clinical staff about raising awareness of the importance of movement and engaging patients/residents in increasing movement activities.

1. Prolonged bed rest is linked to deconditioning, resulting in a loss of muscle strength. 
2. Deconditioning can contribute to a range of negative health outcomes including increasing frailty, falls and fall-related injuries.
3. Increasing physical activity reduces deconditioning and likelihood of falls.
4. Staff play an important role in promoting and encouraging patient/resident mobility and falls prevention.
5. Discussions between staff and patients about deconditioning and movement is key for staff to build confidence and patients to gain knowledge. 

Primary audience

• Clinical staff working in WA hospitals and residential aged care facilities who care for older patients at risk of deconditioning.

Secondary audience

• Older people admitted to WA hospitals and residential aged care facilities, as well as their carers and family. 

May 2024