This capstone project focuses on addressing the issue of deconditioning in elderly patients following prolonged hospitalization. Deconditioning refers to the physical decline and loss of function that occurs when patients are immobile or sedentary during extended hospital stays. Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to this condition, which can result in longer recovery times, higher rates of complications, and decreased quality of life. The project aims to assess current hospital practices related to the prevention of deconditioning, identify gaps in care, and develop nursing interventions and strategies to enhance patient mobility, functional recovery, and overall health outcomes.

The purpose of this project is to evaluate how nursing staff can contribute to reducing deconditioning through early mobilization, tailored exercise regimens, and the promotion of a proactive care plan that integrates physical activity, nutrition, and psychosocial support. By implementing these strategies, the project seeks to improve elderly patients’ functional outcomes after hospitalization and reduce the burden of deconditioning-related complications.

Expected Outcomes & Deliverables:

Anticipated Results:

 A detailed report that identifies the key risk factors contributing to deconditioning in elderly patients and current barriers to effective prevention in the hospital setting.

 Development of evidence-based nursing interventions for preventing deconditioning, including recommended daily exercises and mobilization strategies.

 A set of guidelines for nurses on early mobilization techniques and their integration into individualized care plans.

 A proposal for a hospital-wide educational campaign aimed at promoting the importance of mobility and early physical activity for elderly patients.

Benefits to Organization and Students:

 Organization: The hospital will benefit by improving the outcomes for elderly patients, reducing the length of hospital stays, and decreasing readmission rates due to deconditioning-related issues. These changes will contribute to better patient care, increased patient satisfaction, and potential cost savings associated with reduced complications and shorter recovery periods.

 Students: This project provides students with the opportunity to develop a comprehensive

understanding of geriatric nursing care, mobility interventions, and rehabilitation strategies. It will enhance students' skills in evidence-based practice, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The experience will also equip students with the tools to address common challenges in caring for elderly patients in hospital settings.

Student Involvement:

The student will be involved in several critical tasks throughout the project, including:

 Literature Review & Research: The student will conduct a review of current literature on

deconditioning in elderly patients, including risk factors, prevention strategies, and best practices in hospital settings.

 Data Collection & Observation: The student will collaborate with nursing staff to observe patient care practices, gather data on mobility levels and current interventions for elderly patients, and asess the effectiveness of existing protocols.

 Developing Nursing Interventions: Based on the research, the student will help design evidence- based interventions to prevent deconditioning, such as mobility regimens, assistive devices, and nutrition strategies.

 Education & Training Materials: The student will assist in creating training materials for nursing staff on how to implement and monitor deconditioning prevention strategies in daily care routines.

 Collaborative Work: The student will work closely with hospital staff, physiotherapists, dietitians, and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure a holistic approach to patient mobility and recovery.

The student will work both onsite and remotely, with onsite involvement for data collection, patient interaction, and collaboration with hospital staff, and remote work for conducting literature reviews, writing reports, and preparing educational materials.

Resources Required:

To ensure the successful completion of this project, the following resources will be required:

 Access to Patient Data & Records: The student will need access to deidentified patient records or data on elderly patients who have been hospitalized for extended periods. This may include information on mobility levels, complications related to deconditioning, and current rehabilitation efforts.

 Hospital Policies & Guidelines: The student will require access to existing hospital policies and practices related to the care of elderly patients, particularly regarding early mobilization and physical therapy.

 Collaboration with Interdisciplinary Team: The student will need the involvement of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to provide a well-rounded approach to deconditioning prevention.

 Technology & Tools: The student will need access to data analysis software (such as Excel or SPSS) to analyze patient data, as well as software for creating educational materials (e.g., PowerPoint, Canva,or other presentation tools).

 Ethics Approval: If patient data or direct patient involvement is part of the study, the student may need to obtain ethics approval from the hospital’s review board.

With these resources, the student will be able to design effective interventions and strategies to reduce the incidence of deconditioning and enhance the recovery process for elderly patients following prolonged hospitalization.

Support Offered to Students (i.e. weekly meetings, mentorship, etc.):

This project will allow the student to engage in meaningful research, contribute to improving care for elderly patients, and play a key role in implementing preventive strategies for deconditioning. The outcomes will have long-term benefits for the hospital, the nursing team, and the elderly patients who require specialized care during their hospitalizations.