The end PJ Paralysis initiative at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS has gained international interest.
The campaign encourages patients to get dressed into their own clothes as early as possible, instead of using hospital gowns, while in hospital.
The project has gained interest from other healthcare staff around the world and could be rolled out in other countries such as Canada and New Zealand.
Staff at Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) have created a dedicated clothes bank for those patients who don’t have anything to wear.
This campaign is part of the trusts wider #red2green initiative which looks at ensuring patients are mobile and fit for discharge as early as possible.
There is extensive evidence to demonstrate dressing patients in their own clothes enhances patient dignity as well as providing a sense of normality and empowering patients to be more independent while in hospital (1), (2), (3).
Anne-Marie Riley, deputy chief nurse said: “PJ Paralysis is a really simple idea, but it has a big benefit for patients. We know that if patients stay in their pyjamas or gowns for longer than they need to – they have a higher risk of infection, lose mobility, fitness and strength, and stay in hospital longer.
“But if we can help patients get back to their normal routine as quickly as possible, including getting dressed, we can support a quicker recovery, help patients maintain their independence and help get them home sooner.
“The teams leading this vital work are just amazing and speak so passionately about the work they are doing. Every role, including students and volunteers, has the opportunity to promote patients maintaining optimal functionality and it is so amazing watching how staff are finding their own ways to do this.”
Discussions about the campaign on Twitter have reached thousands of people using hashtag #endpjparalysis.
NUH now plans to hold an international #endpjparalysis day in April.