Abstract
As part of a corporate senior friendly strategy, the mobilization of vulnerable elders (MOVE) initiative at Sunnybrook was unique in its use of volunteers as an adjunct intervention supporting the improvement strategy. With training adapted from the Hospital Elder Life Program, volunteers supported the goal of mobilization 3 times daily. Since 2011 over 300 volunteers have been trained in the mobility volunteer program (MVP) in a large urban academic centre. We have evaluated volunteer and stakeholder feedback on the program structure and implementation. Lessons learned include the value of the volunteer role as a lever for sustainability of improvement in staff performance related to mobilization; the need to promote unit ownership and accountability; the evolution of staff expectations and factors influencing acceptance of the role. The MVP continues to flourish and the role has been expanded beyond mobilization.