Impact of Early Patient Mobilization Post-Surgery on Hospital Stay Length and Recovery Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Prolonged postoperative immobility is associated with preventable complications and delayed functional recovery, contributing to extended hospital length of stay and increased healthcare utilization. Early mobilization within 24 hours of surgery is increasingly incorporated into enhanced recovery pathways, yet its combined impact on clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes across elective surgical populations requires further evaluation. Objective: To assess the association between early postoperative mobilization and hospital length of stay, postoperative complications, mobility at discharge, 30-day readmission, and patient satisfaction among elective surgery patients. Methods: A cross-sectional observational comparative study was conducted among 200 adults undergoing elective surgery at a tertiary-care hospital. Patients were categorized into an early mobilization group (mobilized within 24 hours post-surgery; n = 100) and a standard care group (mobilized after 24 hours; n = 100) based on routine postoperative documentation. Outcomes included length of stay, in-hospital complications (deep vein thrombosis, pneumonia, pressure ulcers), discharge mobility score (10-point scale), 30-day readmission, and discharge satisfaction score (10-point scale). Group comparisons used t-tests and chi-square tests, with effect estimates reported as mean differences and odds ratios. Results: Early mobilization was associated with shorter length of stay (5.4 ± 1.2 vs 7.2 ± 1.5 days; mean difference −1.8 days; p = 0.02), lower complication rates (deep vein thrombosis: 2.5% vs 7.0%, OR 0.34; pneumonia: 1.0% vs 5.0%, OR 0.19; pressure ulcers: 1.5% vs 6.5%, OR 0.22; all p ≤ 0.03), higher mobility scores (8.4 ± 1.3 vs 6.2 ± 1.8; mean difference 2.2; p = 0.001), reduced 30-day readmission (3.0% vs 7.5%, OR 0.38; p = 0.04), and higher satisfaction (9.0 ± 0.9 vs 7.2 ± 1.1; mean difference 1.8; p = 0.002). Conclusion: Early mobilization within 24 hours after elective surgery was associated with improved postoperative outcomes, including shorter hospitalization, fewer complications, better functional recovery, lower readmission, and higher patient satisfaction, supporting its integration into routine postoperative care pathways.