Article citationsMore>>

Damschroder, L.J., Aron, D.C., Keith, R.E., Kirsh, S.R., Alexander, J.A. and Lowery, J.C. (2009) Fostering Implementation of Health Services Research Findings into Practice: A Consolidated Framework for Advancing Implementation Science. Implementation Science, 4, Article No. 50.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-4-50

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Optimising Functional Independence in Skilled Nursing Facilities: An Interdisciplinary Mobility Quality Improvement Program Development and Implementation Protocol

  AUTHORS: Neha Sabharwal

  KEYWORDS: Skilled Nursing Facility, Functional Mobility, Fall Prevention, Quality Improvement, Interdisciplinary Care, Rehabilitation

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, Vol.14 No.1, February 24, 2026

  ABSTRACT: Background: Functional mobility decline and falls affect approximately 50% - 75% of skilled nursing facility residents annually, with 10% - 20% resulting in serious injury. These events are associated with increased morbidity, prolonged length of stay, rehospitalization, and rising healthcare costs. Objective: This manuscript describes the development and implementation protocol for an interdisciplinary mobility quality improvement (QI) program designed to integrate structured mobility practices into routine skilled nursing facility care. Methods: Using Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement methodology guided by the Model for Improvement, this protocol was developed for skilled nursing facilities serving approximately 80 - 150 residents. The program integrates physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, restorative care, and medical oversight through structured needs assessment and stakeholder engagement. Implementation Framework: The protocol specifies phased implementation, accountability structures, fidelity monitoring, and sustainability strategies. Conclusion: This protocol provides a scalable, systems-level framework for addressing mobility decline in skilled nursing facilities.