Early mobilisation of ventilated patients in the intensive care unit: A survey of critical care clinicians in an Australian tertiary hospital

Critical care nurses' prioritisation of patient care, including delirium prevention and management strategies: A mixed-method study

BACKGROUND

Delirium is a common issue in critical care, yet its prevention and management strategies are often inconsistent. Understanding the factors that lead to the omission or delay in delirium-related care by critical care nurses is essential for enhancing patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to identify the specific delirium-related prevention and management strategies that are frequently missed or delayed by critical care nurses. It also explored factors influencing nurses' prioritisation of care, including delirium-related strategies.

METHODS

A mixed-method approach was utilised, combining quantitative data from online surveys and qualitative insights from interviews with critical care nurses in a Canadian health authority. The Missed Nursing Care Survey identified instances of missed or delayed care, while interviews provided deeper insights into care prioritisation decisions.

RESULTS

Quantitative findings indicated frequent delays in patient mobilisation and physical care that were attributed to staffing shortages, high patient volume, and increased admissions and discharges. Qualitative findings revealed that factors such as patient acuity, structured routines, knowledge gaps, limited support, unit culture, and resource inadequacies influenced the prioritisation of delirium-related care, often leading to its inadvertent deprioritisation.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the need to integrate delirium care into patient acuity assessments and establish sustainable education programs to enhance the recognition and prioritisation of delirium by critical care nurses. Addressing these factors is critical for improving patient outcomes in critical care settings.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Strengthening critical care nurses' capacity to consistently recognise and prioritise delirium-related care through targeted education and system-level support could potentially contribute to better patient outcomes.

Clinicians' opinion on massage in the intensive care unit patients

Introduction

Physiotherapy in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a common medical procedure involving mainly elements of mobilisation, electrotherapy and also, in various forms and to a lesser extent, elements of massage. Massage can positively influence the physical and psychological outcomes of the ICU) patients.

Aim

The study aimed to assess the perception of physiotherapists (PTs), physicians (PHs), and registered nurses (RNs) working in ICU about the possibilities and safety of implementing massage in the process of rehabilitation of ICU patients.

Methods

This multicentre survey was conducted in Poland in three ICUs (Gdansk, Koscierzyna, Krakow). A total of 135 people participated in the study. Of these, 25.9% (35/135) were PTs, 21.5% (29/135) were PHs, and 52.6% (71/135) were RNs. The questionnaires were distributed and collected online (directly by respondents to Google Form system) and in written form.

Results

Most PTs-71% (25/35)-perceive massage as a beneficial and safe treatment while working with ICU patients. PHs 96% (28/29) and RNs 92% (65/71) also recommend using massage by physiotherapists to rehabilitate ICU patients. In the respondents' opinion, the possibilities for the use of massage by PHs and RNs are lower (between 20% and 55%).

Conclusions

According to the surveyed clinicians working in the ICU, massage is a safe form of treatment, especially when performed by PTs and it could be a permanent element of rehabilitation among ICU patients, especially for reducing pain, anxiety and restlessness and also improving sleep quality and bowel movement.

Early Rehabilitation in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Providing early rehabilitation during critical illness is considered best practice; however, the respiratory compromise suffered by patients with ARDS often limits their capacity to participate in active exercise. This article outlines the current evidence regarding early rehabilitation in the ICU with a specific focus on the considerations for this cohort. It provides some practical recommendations to assist clinicians in the identification of appropriate early rehabilitation techniques, taking into account disease severity and medical management strategies. It outlines methods to ensure the safe implementation of early rehabilitation with the aim of improving the outcomes of ARDS survivors.

ICU nurses' practice and intention to implement early mobilization: A multi-centre cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

Early mobilization (EM) is acknowledged for its safety and benefits in the recovery of critically ill patients, yet its implementation in intensive care units (ICU) remains inconsistently aligned with established guidelines. This discrepancy highlights a gap between theoretical endorsement and practical application. While barriers to EM have been extensively studied, the intentions and perceived practices of ICU nurses towards EM, especially in certain geographical regions, have not been adequately understood.

AIM

The objective of this study is to assess the perceptions, actual practices and intentions of ICU nurses regarding the implementation of EM for patients in the ICU setting.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional, multi-centre, survey-based study.

RESULTS

The study collected data through an electronic questionnaire from 227 ICU nurses across eight hospitals in Beijing, China, concerning their experiences, practices and intentions related to EM. The survey response rate was 50% (114 of 227), indicating a moderate level of engagement by the target population. Among the surveyed participants, 68.7% (n = 156) reported having experience with EM for critically ill patients. Of these experienced nurses, 49.3% (n = 77) indicated they carried out EM less frequently than once per week, while only 29.5% (n = 46) reported dedicating more than 20 min to EM activities per patient. Only 24.2% (n = 55) of participants confirmed the presence of specific EM guidelines in their workplace. Notably, guideline adherence could be influenced by the patient's condition severity, which may affect how these protocols are applied. Notably, the approach and frequency of EM practices showed significant variation across different ICUs. A substantial majority (75%, n = 170) of participants expressed a strong intention towards implementing EM, correlating significantly with factors such as having a higher education level (bachelor's degree or higher), receiving departmental support, encountering fewer perceived barriers, and belonging to specific departments like respiratory (SICU) and surgery (RICU). The EM guidelines mentioned by participants were primarily focused on specific protocols and guidance, highlighting the emphasis on structured approaches to EM in their clinical settings.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the recognized experience with EM among ICU nurses, there is a notable divergence between their practices and the recommendations outlined in EM guidelines. This study underscores the need for the establishment of clear, actionable guidelines, alongside the provision of targeted educational programmes and robust support systems, to foster the consistent and effective implementation of EM in ICU settings.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study underscores the clinical relevance of EM in ICU settings, advocating for the development of precise EM guidelines to improve patient outcomes.

Understanding the needs and perceptions of early mobilization for critically ill patients: A systematic review of qualitative studies

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize qualitative research findings on intensive care patients' perceptions of early mobilization to identify their needs and understand the factors influencing their participation.

METHODS

Studies that explored patients' experiences of early mobilization within the intensive care unit were searched. A comprehensive search was conducted by searching five English and four Chinese electronic databases. The systematic review was carried out in line with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence, and also the thematic synthesis method was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

A total of eight studies were included. Eight descriptive themes were formed: patients' self-determination needs, patients' relationship needs, patients' needs for competency and self-control, perceived benefits of physical function, increased self-confidence, negative emotions, unpleasant experiences and suffering, negative attitudes, and three analytical themes related to patients' perceptions of early mobilization in the intensive care unit were identified, including patients' needs during early mobilization, facilitators prompting patients' actions in early mobilization, and obstacles influencing patients' actions in early mobilization.

CONCLUSION

Many factors influence the critically ill patients' actions in early mobilization. A better understanding of patients' potential needs and psychological responses to early mobilization in the intensive care unit may help health professionals develop strategies to promote the quality of early mobilization.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Recognizing and developing the strategies to meet the needs are essential to improve the patients' actions in early mobilization in the intensive care unit.. Therefore, understanding the relationship between needs support and patients' actions in early mobilization can help them provider better support services during mobilization.

Multidisciplinary staff perceived barriers and enablers to early mobilization of patients with burns in the ICU

BACKGROUND

Complex challenges face clinicians managing critically ill patients with burns, particularly in the context of enhancing outcomes after a stay in ICU. Compounding this, a dearth of research explores the specific and modifiable factors that impact early mobilization in the ICU environment.

AIM

To explore the barriers and enablers of early functional mobilization for patients with burns in the ICU from a multidisciplinary perspective.

DESIGN

A qualitative phenomenological study.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews supplemented by online questionnaires conducted with 12 multidisciplinary clinicians (four doctors, three nurses and five physical therapists) who previously managed burn patients at a quaternary level ICU. Data were thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Four main themes: patient, ICU clinicians, the workplace and the physical therapist were identified as impacting on early mobilization. Subthemes identified barriers or enablers to mobilization but all were strongly influenced by overarching theme of the clinician's "emotional filter." Barriers included high levels of pain, heavy sedation and low levels of clinician exposure to treating patients with burns. Enablers included higher levels of clinician's experience and knowledge about burn management and benefits of early mobilization; increased coordinated staff resources when undertaking mobilization; and, open communication and positive culture towards early mobilization across the multidisciplinary team.

CONCLUSION

Patient, clinician and workplace barriers and enablers were identified to influencing the likelihood of achieving early mobilization of patients with burns in the ICU. Emotional support for staff through multidisciplinary collaboration and development of structured burns training program were key recommendations to address barriers and strengthen enablers to early mobilization of patients with burns in the ICU.

Current Practice and Barriers to the Implementation of Mobilization in ICUs in Japan: A Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Limited information is currently available on the barriers to implementing mobilization at the bedside for critically ill patients. Therefore, we investigated the current practice of and barriers to the implementation of mobilization in intensive care units (ICU). Methods: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted at nine hospitals between June 2019 and December 2019. Consecutive patients admitted to the ICU for more than 48 h were enrolled. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results: The 203 patients enrolled in the present study were divided into 69 elective surgical patients and 134 unplanned admission patients. The mean periods of time until the initiation of rehabilitation programs after ICU admission were 2.9 ± 7.7 and 1.7 ± 2.0 days, respectively. Median ICU mobility scales were five (Interquartile range: three and eight) and six (Interquartile range: three and nine), respectively. The most common barriers to mobilization in the ICU were circulatory instability (29.9%) and a physician's order for postoperative bed rest (23.4%) in the unplanned admission and elective surgery groups, respectively. Conclusions: Rehabilitation programs were initiated later for unplanned admission patients and were less intense than those for elective surgical patients, irrespective of the time after ICU admission.

Facilitators & barriers and practices of early mobilization in critically ill burn patients: A survey

BACKGROUND

Early mobilization (EM) of intensive care (IC) patients is important but complex with facilitators and barriers. Compared to general IC patients, burn IC patients are more hyper-metabolic. They have extensive wounds, lengthy wound dressing changes, and repeated surgeries that may affect possibilities of EM. This study aimed to identify facilitators and barriers of EM in burn IC patients among all disciplines involved. Additionally, we assessed EM practices, i.e. when are which patients considered suitable for EM.

METHODS

A survey was sent to 139 professionals involved in EM of burn IC patients (discipline groups: Intensivists, medical doctors, registered nurses, therapists).

RESULTS

Response rate was 57 %. The majority found EM very important, yet different definitions were chosen. Perceived barriers mainly concerned patient-level factors, most frequently hemodynamic instability and excessive sedation followed by skin graft surgery, fatigue, and pain management. Most frequent barriers at the provider-level were limited staffing, safety concerns, and conflicting perceptions about the suitability of EM. At the institutional-level, we found no high barriers. Interdisciplinary variation on perceived barriers, when to initiate it, and permitted maximal activity were ascertained.

CONCLUSION

Skin grafts and pain management were barriers of EM specific for burn care. Opinions on frequency, dosage and duration of EM varied widely. Improving interdisciplinary communication is key.

The effect of the ABCDE/ABCDEF bundle on delirium, functional outcomes, and quality of life in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effect of the ABCDEF bundle (Assess, prevent, and manage pain; Both spontaneous awakening and spontaneous breathing trials; Choice of analgesia and sedation; Delirium: assess, prevent, and manage; Early mobility and exercise; and Family engagement and empowerment) on patient outcomes such as delirium is potentially optimised when the bundle is implemented in its entirety.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically synthesise the evidence on the effectiveness of the ABCDEF bundle delivered in its entirety on delirium, function, and quality of life in adult intensive care unit patients.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCE

Electronic databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute's Evidence Based Practice, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, and Embase were searched from 2000 until December 2021.

REVIEW METHODS

Inclusion criteria included (1) adult intensive care unit patients (2) studies that described the ABCDE or ABCDEF bundle in its entirety (3) studies that evaluated delirium, functional outcomes, or quality of life. Studies were excluded if they investigated long-term intensive care unit rehabilitation patients. Two reviewers independently screened records and full text, extracted data, and undertook quality appraisals with discrepancies discussed until consensus was reached. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted for delirium but was not possible for other outcomes. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to assess the certainty of the synthesised findings of the body of evidence. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD 42019126407).

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies (29,576 patients) were included in the descriptive synthesis. Meta-analysis of six studies (2000 patients) identified decreased delirium incidence following implementation of the ABCDEF bundle when compared with standard practice, (risk ratio = 0.57; CI, 0.36-0.90 p = 0.02) although heterogeneity was high (I² = 92%). When compared with standard practice, a meta-analysis of five studies (3418 patients) showed the ABCDEF bundle statistically significantly reduced the duration of intensive care unit delirium (mean difference (days) - 1.37, 95% CI -2.61 to -0.13 p = 0.03; I² 96%). Valid functional assessments were included in two studies, and quality of life assessment in one.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the evidence on the effect of the ABCDEF bundle delivered in its entirety is limited, positive patient delirium outcomes have been shown in this meta-analysis. As this meta-analysis was based on only 4736 patients in eight studies, further evidence is required to support its use in the adult intensive care unit.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

PROSPERO (CRD 42019126407).

Clinicians' knowledge and attitude towards early mobilization in intensive care units in Ethiopian tertiary hospitals: A multi-centre study

Objectives

To assess clinicians' knowledge, attitude and associated factors towards patients' early mobilization in intensive care units in the tertiary hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A multi-centre, cross-sectional study was conducted at the tertiary hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia from April to June, 2022. Data were collected by using self-administered, structured questionnaire; ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed and associations were described in adjusted odds ratios.

Results

A total of 304 clinicians were included (response rate of 89.7%). The proportions of poor, fair and good knowledge towards early mobilization in intensive care unit among clinicians were 16.8%, 57.9% and 25.3%, respectively; while that of negative, fair and positive attitude were 16.4%, 60.2% and 23.4%, respectively. Factors associated with better knowledge were being a physiotherapist (adjusted odds ratio = 2.9, confidence interval = 1.2-6.7), having a total work experience >5 years (adjusted odds ratio = 4.6, confidence interval = 1.7-12.1), having an intensive care unit work experience >5 years (adjusted odds ratio = 2.8, confidence interval = 1.1-6.8), previous in-service training (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8, confidence interval = 1.1-3.0) and reading guidelines (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, confidence interval = 1.1-3.2). Better attitude was associated with in-service training (adjusted odds ratio = 1.9, confidence interval = 1.2-3.1), attending early mobilization courses (adjusted odds ratio = 1.8, confidence interval = 1.1-3.0), presence of mobilization advocators (adjusted odds ratio = 1.7, confidence interval = 1.0-2.8), good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 2.6, confidence interval = 1.2-5.8) and fair knowledge (adjusted odds ratio = 2.5, confidence interval = 1.3-4.8).

Conclusion

Most of the clinicians had demonstrated fair knowledge and attitude towards early mobilization in intensive care unit. However, there were significant proportion of clinicians who had poor knowledge and negative attitude. We recommended active engagement of physiotherapists and experienced clinicians in intensive care units. Clinicians need to have self-learning habits and attend regular training/courses related to early mobilization in intensive care unit.

ICU quasi-speciality nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding early mobilization: A cross-sectional survey

AIM

Early mobilization (EM) improves critical illness survivors' clinical outcomes. This study examines ICU quasi-specialty nurses' EM-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP).

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study was conducted at a provincial ICU specialty nurse training site from 2019 to 2021. KAP data were collected using a self-report questionnaire.

METHODS

Participants were registered nurses enrolled in the training programme; 485 nurses from 188 hospitals completed the questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 37.7% had EM training, and 30.7% reported their wards performed EM. Median (IQR) scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices were 14.0 (4.0), 47.0 (9.0) and 37.0 (8.0), belonging to medium, high and medium levels. Scores were lowest for EM scope, implementation indicators and out-of-bed mobilization. There were significant deviations in KAP scores amongst nurses at different levels of hospitals with EM training and whose departments performed EM. Significant positive correlations between knowledge and practice, and attitude and practice were identified.

A Constructivist Grounded Theory of Staff Experiences Relating to Early Mobilisation of Mechanically Ventilated Patients in Intensive Care

Early mobilisation of mechanically ventilated patients has been suggested to be effective in mitigating muscle weakness, yet it is not a common practice. Understanding staff experiences is crucial to gain insights into what might facilitate or hinder its implementation. In this constructivist grounded theory study, data from two Scottish intensive care units were collected to understand healthcare staff experiences relating to early mobilisation in mechanical ventilation. Data included observations of mobilisation activities, individual staff interviews and two focus groups with multidisciplinary staff. Managing Risks emerged as the core category and was theorised using the concept of risk. The middle-range theory developed in this study suggests that the process of early mobilisation starts by staff defining patient status and includes a process of negotiating patient safety, which in turn enables performing accountable mobilisation within the dynamic context of an intensive care unit setting.

Early mobilization implementation for critical ill patients: A cross-sectional multi-center survey about knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of critical care nurses

Objective

Design

Results

Conclusions

What are the barriers to nurses mobilising adult patients in intensive care units? An integrative review

OBJECTIVES

There is a need for early mobilisation of patients in intensive care units to prevent acquired weaknesses which can have a long-term impact on health and quality of life. This need is not always fulfilled. We therefore sought to conduct an integrative review of international evidence to answer the question: What are the barriers to nurses mobilising adult patients in intensive care units?

REVIEW METHOD USED

We conducted a systematic search and thematic analysis. We were able to present a descriptive quantitative synthesis of the survey articles included.

DATA SOURCES

We searched CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases between and including 2010 and 2020 using search terms synonymous with "intensive care unit" and "nurse" and "early mobilisation" and "barrier using Boolean operators" and "truncation". We completed backwards and forwards citation searches on included studies.

RESULTS

We included seven articles which we synthesised into three themes and 13 subthemes as follows: (i) organisational barriers (subthemes were staffing levels, time and workload, resources, and care coordination), (ii) individual barriers (subthemes were self and team safety, knowledge and training, beliefs about the consequences of early mobilisation, stress, and other barriers), and (iii) patient-related barriers (subthemes were medical instability/physical status, patient safety, neurological deficits and sedation, and nonconcordance of patients).

CONCLUSION

Nurses' barriers were wide ranging, and interventions to improve concordance with early mobilisation need to be tailored to address this group's specific barriers.

Patient-Level Barriers and Facilitators to Early Mobilization and the Relationship With Physical Disability Post-Intensive Care: Part 2 of an Integrative Review Through the Lens of the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health

BACKGROUND

Early mobilization (EM) is associated with reduced physical disability post-intensive care (PD PIC). Yet, contextual factors facilitate or impede delivery of EM in the intensive care unit (ICU). Only 45% of ICUs in the United States routinely practice EM despite its recognized benefits.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the evidence on the relationship between critical care EM, PD PIC, and personal (patient-level) factors, using the theoretical lens of the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).

METHOD

The Whittemore and Knafl methodology for integrative reviews and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) reporting guidelines were followed. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies (n = 38) that evaluated EM and 1 or more domains of the World Health Organization ICF were included. Quality was appraised using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Study characteristics were evaluated for common themes and relationships. The ICF domains and subdomains pertaining to each study were synthesized.

RESULTS

Early mobilization delivery was influenced by personal factors. Deeper sedation level, the presence of delirium, higher patient acuity, the presence of medical devices, and patient weight were identified barriers to EM delivery. Patient engagement in EM was associated with improved delivery. Patients who enjoyed rehabilitation were more likely to demonstrate improvement in functional impairment than those who did not enjoy rehabilitation.

DISCUSSION

Early mobilization is associated with reduced PD PIC, yet numerous contextual factors affect the delivery of EM in the ICU. Further study of patient-level factors and EM must explore the relationship between patient engagement, baseline demographics, and functional status at ICU admission, patient-level considerations for decisions to mobilize, and EM in the ICU. This research is critical to improving the delivery of EM in the ICU and reducing PD PIC.

Environmental Factors Affecting Early Mobilization and Physical Disability Post-Intensive Care: An Integrative Review Through the Lens of the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health

BACKGROUND

Early mobilization (EM) is one of few potential protective factors associated with reduced physical disability post-intensive care (PD PIC). However, only 45% of intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States routinely practice EM despite its recognized benefits.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the evidence on the relationship between critical care EM, PD PIC, and environmental factors, using the theoretical lens of the World Health Organization's (WHO's) International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).

METHOD

The Whittemore and Knafl methodology for integrative reviews and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting guidelines were followed. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies (n = 38) that evaluated EM and 1 or more domains of the WHO ICF were included. Quality was appraised using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Study characteristics were evaluated for common themes and relationships. The ICF domains and subdomains pertaining to each study were synthesized.

RESULTS

Early mobilization was related to improved functioning on the disability continuum of the WHO ICF. Early mobilization was influenced by several WHO ICF environmental factors. Dedicated physical and occupational therapy teams in the ICU, interdisciplinary rounds, and positive family and staff perception of EM facilitated intervention delivery. However, poor staffing levels, negative unit culture, perceived workload burden, and lack of equipment, education, and financial support impeded delivery of EM.

DISCUSSION

Early mobilization is a promising intervention that may reduce PD PIC. However, environmental factors negatively influence delivery of EM in the ICU. Several gaps in EM research limit its acceptability in ICU practice. Existing EM research is challenged by poor methodological quality. Further study is necessary to better understand the role of EM on PD PIC and improve patient outcomes following critical illness.