Who knew the answer to fall prevention could be found in dance?
UTMB recently unveiled STEP UP—Synchronized Therapeutic Exercise Program to Uplift Patients. This innovative program uses dance to enhance mobility and reduce fall risks among older patients, aligning with evidence that improved mobility is crucial for preventing falls and injuries.
Dance, with its rhythmic movements and balance-enhancing routines, not only strengthens physical capabilities but also brings joy and vitality. Patients have embraced the program with enthusiasm, enjoying the physical benefits and the uplifting sense of community it fosters. The nursing staff have witnessed first-hand the positive transformations, leading to a renewed commitment to innovative, patient-centered care.
"Sitting in a room day after day leaves patients to ruminate over their illness. Compounded by distance from home to hospital limits visitors for some patients. All these things can impact their perception of care," said Kathyrn Buck, APCS clinical nurse specialist. "The STEP UP program elevates the patient experience by drawing them from their room to a common area on the unit that overlooks the Gulf and allows them to feel the warmth of the sun on their faces while they are dancing. Their joy has also brought leaders throughout the Galveston campus to participate in the program as well.
"In the United States, around 2% of hospitalized patients fall annually with one in four being injured. STEP UP promotes early mobility, which is one of the best evidence-driven interventions to prevent injurious falls while in the hospital," Buck added. "We are committed to taking an innovative approach that reaches beyond existing prevention measures. The synergistic role mobility and fall prevention have in patient care contributes to quality, outcomes and safety.
It was a small but mighty team that made this all happen. It took a village of like-minded, determined and dedicated people.
The village consisted of:
- Ian Taylor, 11D nurse manager
- Marie Feliciano, clinical nurse educator
- Kathyrn Buck, APCS clinical nurse specialist
"As our journey continues, we plan to expand our STEP UP initiative," Taylor said. "Our ideas for future state include inviting additional patients from our sister units here in Jennie Sealy and inviting team members to join in participating to further expand the positive impacts of this initiative."
Vanessa Abacan
Clinical Nurse Specialist