The Dot Indicator System

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The Dot Indicator System

• Introduction
• The Dot Mobility System is a simple efficient
  way of assessing a Patients mobility
  requirements, it places the Patients mobility
  status into a one to four dot category.
• For example one red dot indicates the Patient can
  walk unaided with four dots indicating a
  non-weight bearing Patient.
• The colored dots at the door to each room
  instantly indicates the Patients mobility status
  and care need criteria in the handover sheet and
  care plan

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The Dot Indicator System

• Aim
• To enhance the care planning visual indicators
• All minimize injuries involved Patient handling.
• Manual Handling Numerical Profile score
  21(1996)
• To indicate to all staff a way of determining a
  Patients mobility requirements

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The Dot Indicator System

• Simple
• Visible
• Non-discriminatory
• Minimal documentation

4
The Dot Indicator System

• The System Consists of
• A colored dot magnet at the Patients door.
• A mobility criteria on The staff handover sheet
  for each cottage.
• A nursing care plan.

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The Dot Indicator System
What do the red dots mean? Patient is assessed
each shift. One Red Dot

• Ambulates
• Needs minimal assistance
• Assist with personal care if required

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The Dot Indicator System
Two Red Dots

• Ambulates with assistance of one person and/or
  walking aid.
• Pelican belt PRN.
• Requires assistance with standing and sitting.
• Requires assistance to get in and out of bed.
• May need two people if required.
• Assist with toileting 2/24.

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The Dot Indicator System
Other colors Dots

• Needs assistance of two people to ambulate and/or
  walking aid.
• Pelican belt.
• ACFI assessment.
• Diabetic
• Falls Risk
• Shower chair, slide sheet for turning, if
  required.

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The Dot Indicator System
Two Red Dots

• Non-weight bearing Patient.
• Sponge in bed.
• Slide Sheet for 2/24 PAC.
• Total nursing care with all personal care.
• Two people (or more as required) to attend to
  Patient needs.
• Electric lifter if needed.

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The Dot Indicator System
How to Document the Dot System/ Nursing Care Plan
Reference to use of items

Lifter required for transfers
Jones
Appropriate number of dots
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The Dot Indicator System
Nurses have overriding responsibility/documentatio
n
Nurse (Overriding Responsibility)
In consultation with the multidisciplinary team
Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist
Doctor
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The Dot Indicator System

• People Involved

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The Dot Indicator System

• EMERGENCY EVACUATION TOOL

BOMB GAS LEAKS FLOOD FIRE TERRORISM
PROVIDES INSTANT VISIBLE NOTIFICATION OF
Patient/CLIENT MOBILITY STATUS FOR EMERGENCY
PERSONNEL
POLICE FIRE SERVICE AMBULANCE
SES
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The Dot Indicator System

• Training
• All staff involved are trained in Patient
  mobility assessment and documentation.
• Non clinical staff are trained in their
  responsibilities with the system.
• Patients / Family members receive a handout
  explaining its function.

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The Dot Indicator System

• The key to success of the Dot System- YOU!
• Simplicity
• Minimal documentation
• Visibility
• Multi-staff involvement
• Staff Acceptability of System
• Standardisation for staff moving between
  healthcare providers
• Dramatic reduction in injuries to staff and
  Patients in all facilities where it is in place.