Nurse-led Mobilisation Post Elective Colorectal Surgery
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals
National Healthcare Group
29 January 2026
To increase the percentage of patients mobilised on postoperative day 0 from 3.8% to 50% for individuals undergoing elective. Nurse-led mobilisation on POD 0 is a novel approach that has shown to be both safe and beneficial, reducing hospital length of stay.
Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 29 January 2026
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Productivity, Cost Saving, Time Saving, Quality Improvement, Workflow Redesign
About this Content
Aims
To increase the percentage of patients mobilised on postoperative day 0 from 3.8% to 50% for individuals undergoing elective colorectal surgery.
Background
In Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) was first introduced in 2018 and has been adopted as the standard of care for all patients undergoing elective colorectal surgeries. Early mobilisation on post-operative day 0 is a key element of ERAS.
Methods
The project involved nurse-led mobilisation post elective colorectal surgery, with interventions such as preoperative patient education, reinforcement by the medical team, showcasing feasibility by surgeons, and setting up a communication platform.
Results
Reduction in hospital LOS from 6 to 4 days, reduction in number of PT sessions from 4 to 2, higher proportion of patients discharged home (93.9% vs 100%).
Cost savings to 1 patient: $1752.88. Estimated annualised cost savings to patients: $350,576. Challenges included COVID measures and inaccurate documentation.
Conclusion
Nurse-led mobilisation on POD 0 is a novel approach that has shown to be both safe and beneficial, reducing hospital length of stay and facilitating earlier return to premorbid function.
Lessons Learnt
Highlighted the significance of collaborative teamwork and involvement of stakeholders using a transdisciplinary approach. Importance of close communication to facilitate discussion and allow issues to be flagged and addressed instantaneously.
Keywords
Nurse-led, mobilisation, workflow redesign, colorectal, ERAS, recovery
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | Tan Tock Seng Hospital |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Innovation and Productivity Medals |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Medical, Nursing |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Allied Health, Physiotherapy, Medical, Gastroenterology, Rehabilitation Therapy, Surgery, Nursing, Nursing Research |
Project Lead(s) | Tan Wen Yin Ferlyn |
Project Member(s) | Adeline Chi Hui Jia |
Connect with this contributor!
Tan Wen Yin Ferlyn - ferlyn_wy_tan@ttsh.com.sg
Adeline Chi Hui Jia - Adeline_hj_chi@ttsh.com.sg
Project Attachment
666_TTSH_NHIP_2024_Care_Redesign_Nurse_led_Mobilisationpost_Elective_Colorectal_Surgery.pdf