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This blog is supplementary to our webinar in June 2025 on Mobility Assessment: Tackling Common Concerns and Practical Tools to Guide You, you can watch the full webinar below:  

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Mobility assessment tools can be an effective means of evaluating an individual’s ability to move safely and in determining the right level of support or equipment required. Here we look at the 10 most frequently asked questions around Mobility Assessment Tools.

“A comprehensive mobility assessment can deliver a higher standard of care through safe and effective mobilisation of patients, while also ensuring the safety of caregivers”. Rindsland S (2021)

As part of A1 Risk Solutions Proportionate Care Qualification we introduce delegates to the concept of Mobility Assessment Tools and the benefit to situations where a person’s mobility and function may be variable within a community setting.  We recognise that caregivers are often faced with the difficult daily decision-making , this can often be choosing the right piece of equipment when supporting people within their own home.  This differs from a hospital setting, where there are health professionals onsite to give guidance and assistance.

Background

Boynton (2003) identified the need for a mobility assessment tool and began researching for one that could assist nurses to determine patients’ mobility status and would help standardise safe patient handling and mobility equipment use. From this work in 2012-2013, BMAT 1.0 and later the Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool 2.0 (BMAT 2.0) (Boynton et al, 2020; Wald et al, 2018). Harrison (2018) found that Moving and handling assessors felt guidance and tools that would facilitate a robust Care Act compliant assessment were lacking and that a robust tool was required that would assist them in providing evidence to justify prescription of Proportionate Care and provision of more than one piece of equipment for the individual with variable ability.

A robust and Care Act compliant assessment is one that accurately identifies an individual's needs for care and support, while also adhering to the principles and requirements outlined in the Care Act 2014. 

Harrison and Webb (2022) developed a tool to meet the needs of the assessors when prescribing equipment for an individual with or without a variable ability, who is being assisted by one or more carers.

1.    What is a mobility assessment tool?
A mobility assessment tool is a structured method used by healthcare professionals and care givers to assess an individual’s ability to move or transfer safely, with or without support. It helps in planning appropriate moving and handling interventions and ensures care is proportionate, person-centred, and risk-aware.

2.    Who should complete a mobility assessment? 
A mobility assessment should be conducted by: Someone with the competence and training to make decisions about mobility and transfer needs. This may include the trained caregiver. 

In care homes or domiciliary settings, it may be completed by senior carers if trained and supported by policy.  A trained healthcare or social care professional (e.g., physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurs,e or manual handling advisor).  Family members also use the tool to assist with the assessment and identify which piece of equipment to use.

3.    What does the assessment typically cover? 
Most mobility assessments include: 
• Current mobility status (e.g., ambulant, uses walking frame, needs hoist) 
• Cognitive ability (awareness of surroundings, ability to follow instructions) 
• Balance and coordination 
• Grip strength and ability to hold support aids 
• Pain, fatigue, or medical conditions affecting movement 
• Environmental factors (space, flooring, furniture)  It often includes observational tasks such as sit-to-stand or walking a few steps with supervision.

4.    Is a mobility assessment the same as a risk assessment? 
Not exactly. A mobility assessment focuses on evaluating a person’s physical and cognitive capability to move. A manual handling risk assessment considers the safety of both the person and the staff, including risks associated with moving or lifting tasks. They are closely related but serve different functions. Often, mobility assessments feed into the wider manual handling risk assessment.

5.    How often should a mobility assessment be reviewed? 
The MAT tool is intended to be used every time the person is transferred, and therefore the individual is reviewed continually.  If no variability in a person’s ability the assessment is reviewed regularly and immediately after a change in the person’s condition (e.g., fall, illness, post-surgery). It should also be reviewed before introducing new equipment or handling techniques. Reviews should always be documented, and the reasons for any changes needed.

6.    What are some commonly used mobility assessment tools? 
Some widely used tools in the UK and internationally include: 
• Banner Mobility Assessment Tool – Bedside Mobility Assessment Tool
• Barthel Index – assesses independence in ADLs (activities of daily living)
• Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test – measures mobility and fall risk 
• Functional Independence Measure (FIM) 
• Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale 
• Local mobility assessment forms or flowcharts – often embedded into care provider documentation

7.    How does the A1 MAT support proportionate care? 
A good mobility assessment can prevent under- or over-supporting the individual.  It can promote independence and dignity, ensuring only the necessary equipment or assistance is used (i.e., proportionate to their actual need). The A1 MAT process enables carers to respond where there is variability in the individual’s ability throughout the day/night.

8.    What if a person refuses to participate in a mobility assessment? 
We understand and respect choice but safety is crucial, try to understand the reason for refusal (e.g. fear, pain, confusion).  Use a person-centred approach to build trust.  If they lack capacity, a best interest decision may be needed under the Mental Capacity Act. Always document refusals and the steps taken.

9.    How are the results used in care planning? 
The type of equipment needed (e.g. walking frame, hoist, transfer aid),the number of staff required to assist, specific instructions for manual handling are all detailed and consideration given as to how this might vary during the day/night.

10.    Can care staff challenge or update a mobility assessment?
Yes, the MAT is used and applied before carrying out any transfer where appropriate training has been received.
If there is a clear, observed change in the individual’s mobility and if the current assessment does not appear safe or suitable.

Summary 

Mobility assessment tools can promote safe, respectful, and effective care. They can empower staff to make informed decisions, reduce injury risk, and enable people to maintain as much independence as possible. By understanding how these tools work and when to use them, care providers can ensure mobility support is always appropriate, person-centred, and compliant with legislation.

References

Boynton T., Kumpar D. and VanGilder C.(2021). Early mobilisation 2: comprehensive mobility assessment and goal setting. Nursing Times. Available at https…; 117: 5, 28-30.

Rindsland S. (2021) Early mobilisation 2: comprehensive mobility assessment and goal setting. Nursing Times.  Available at https…; 117: 5, 28-30.

Harrison D. and Webb J, (2022). The Development of a mobility Assessment Tool when accessing for single-handed care across all systems of Health and Social Care. NBE Column Digital 22- 27.

Further reading
Wald HL et al (2018). The Case for Mobility Assessment in Hospitalized Older Adults: A White Paper from the American Geriatrics Society. American Geriatrics Society.

Goodson CM, Friedman LA, Mantheiy E, et al. Perceived barriers to mobility in a medical ICU: The patient mobilization attitudes & beliefs survey for the ICU. [Epub ahead of print]. J Intensive Care Med. 2018:885066618807120.

Harrison D (2018). Single-handed care: Is it a vision or a reality? Part two, Column 30 (1): 6-10