Study: Physical function should be treated as vital sign

Hospitals should prioritize physical function ─ such as grip strength and gait speed ─ during patient stays to reduce readmission risks, according to a systemic review. The researchers say practitioners should treat physical function like a vital sign, with routine assessment during a patient’s hospitalization and use physical function to support successful care transitions, especially in older adults. Published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine, the research included 17 studies representing 80,000 patients. Hospitalized patients are at risk of physical decline due to their medical needs and requirement for bed rest. One solution is for hospitals to assign more patients to work with physical therapists during their stays to improve physical function. (HealthLeaders Media article, 2/6/25)