Stroke Training and Awareness Resources (STARs)


Considerations for early mobilisation

Early mobilisation is an integral part of Joan’s rehabilitation. click on the grey toolbar or arrows to advance through the slides.

Go through the slides for guidance on the issues that you might need to consider in order to help Joan achieve early mobilisation.

Considerations for early mobilisation

Pain status – You should establish whether Joan is in pain or not before commencing the intervention and make sure that she can communicate any discomfort during the process. If she has pain, then you should communicate this to the appropriate team members in order to obtain treatment.

Conscious level – You should consider Joan’s state of alertness as this may have implications for the way in which you communicate your instructions to her and which early mobilisation tasks she can achieve.

Communication – You will need to be aware of Joan’s level of comprehension to ensure that she can understand you and communicate her needs while you are working with her.

Physical status – It will be important to know Joan’s current level of motor control in order to determine the amount of physical support she will require.

Environment/space – An appraisal of the environment around Joan will inform your choices and judgement on how you might assist her to move.

Psychological status – You will need to be aware of any mood changes, as her physical performance may be affected by this.

Equipment – Choices of equipment required will be determined by physical assessment and based on Joan’s level of ability and the environment in which she has to function.

Staffing levels – It is important to consider the number of staff available when considering the provision of assistance to help Joan to move.

Skin status – You need to consider Joan’s skin condition, paying particular attention to pressure areas. Advice should be sought within the MDT and appropriate strategies for handling and positioning employed.

Page last reviewed: 27 Mar 2021