Putting an end to 'PJ Paralysis'
Patients are getting out of their PJs, into their own clothes and up and about in an effort to minimise the risks associated with being bed-bound.
Victoria Hart, a registered nurse on Ward 9 Nelson Hospital takes a patient who has dressed in her own clothes for a walk following hip surgery.
We have joined the international ‘end PJ paralysis’ movement, and are encouraging patients to get dressed and out of beds for meals. The numerous benefits of this include faster recovery times, less risk of infection, improved mobility and less muscle weakening.
Nelson Hospital Ward 9 charge nurse manager Lynne Bary says that there are further benefits to patients’ wellbeing, with evidence suggesting that dressing patients in their own clothes is more dignifying, provides a sense of normality and allows them to be more independent while they’re in hospital.
The process starts at the pre-admission phase when patients are asked to pack comfortable, clothes for their hospital stay, and from there it’s a team effort to encourage more patients to make the effort.