Nurses' perceived barriers and educational needs for early mobilisation of critical ill patients

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.

Impact of knowledge, attitudes and self-reported practices of nurses on early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU

BACKGROUND

Many ICUs worldwide are striving to integrate early mobilization as part of critical care rehabilitation. However, ICU nurses, who are essential contributors to the early mobilization of critically ill patients, still lack comprehensive surveys assessing their knowledge, beliefs, and practices regarding the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients.

AIM

To analyse the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses regarding the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients and to explore the effects of these practices.

STUDY DESIGN

A multicentre cross-sectional study. ICU nurses in five tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China, were selected by convenience sampling and invited to complete an online questionnaire between 1 June 2021 and 15 June 2021. Sociodemographic data and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ICU nurses regarding early mobilization.

RESULTS

A total of 296 valid questionnaires were collected, for a response rate of approximately 77.5%. The average scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ICU nurses regarding the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients were 42.7 ± 7.4, 34.3 ± 6.5, and 47.1 ± 6.5, respectively, which were good scores. Quantile regressions showed that at the 25% and 50% quartiles, increases in knowledge and attitude scores resulted in increases in practice scores (p < .001); however, at the 75% quartile, increases in knowledge scores did not result in practice score increases (t = 0.000, p = .999); moreover, there was still a 0.5-point increase in practice scores per 1-point increase in attitude scores (t = 0.500, p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices of ICU nurses were good, although there is room for improvement. Considering that the influence of attitudes on practice improvement is more important than knowledge, ICU managers should promote knowledge transformation, strengthen attitudes, and adopt comprehensive measures to promote the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

To optimize the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU, introducing multipronged support strategies based on the knowledge and attitudes of ICU nurses is recommended to promote the implementation of such practices.

Perceived Barriers to Patient Mobilization Among Therapy and Nursing Acute Care Staff: A Multi-Site Survey Study

OBJECTIVE

To identify differences in perceived barriers to patient mobilization in acute care among therapy and nursing clinicians, and among hospitals of different sizes and types.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey study.

SETTING

Eight hospitals of various sizes and types (teaching vs non-teaching; urban vs rural), from 2 different states in the Western region of the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

A nonprobability sample of 568 acute care clinicians (N=586) involved in direct patient care were surveyed. Clinicians indicated a clinical role within the branch of therapy (physical therapy or occupational therapy) or nursing (registered nurse or nurse assistant).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The Patient Mobilization Attitudes and Beliefs Survey (PMABS) was used to assess perceived barriers to early patient mobilization among therapy and nursing staff. A PMABS total score and 3 subscale scores (knowledge, attitudes, or behaviors associated with barriers to mobilization) were calculated, with higher scores indicative of greater mobilization barriers.

RESULTS

Mean PMABS total scores were significantly lower (better) for therapy providers (24.63±6.67) than nursing providers (38.12±10.95), P<.001. Additionally, therapy providers had significantly lower scores than nursing providers on all 3 subscales (all P<.001). Item-specific analyses revealed significant differences in responses between therapy and nursing staff on 22 of 25 items, with nursing staff indicating greater perceptions of barriers than therapy staff on 20 of the 22 items. The top 5 items with the largest response differences between therapy and nursing clinicians included adequate time to mobilize patients, understanding appropriate referral to therapy staff, knowledge on when it is safe to mobilize patients, confidence in the ability to mobilize patients, and receiving training on methods of safe mobilization. While hospital type did not affect perceived barriers to early mobilization, PMABS scores were significantly higher for large and small hospitals when compared to medium-sized hospitals.

CONCLUSION

Perceived barriers to patient mobilization exist among therapy and nursing acute care clinicians, with greater barriers noted among nursing staff for knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors associated with patient mobility practices. Findings suggest future work is warranted, with opportunities for therapy providers to collaborate with nursing providers to address barriers to implementing patient mobility.

Early mobilization practice in intensive care units: A large-scale cross-sectional survey in China

BACKGROUND

The field of early rehabilitation has developed slowly in mainland China and there are limited data on the implementation of early mobilization (EM) practice in intensive care unit (ICUs) in China.

AIMS

To investigate the implementation of EM in ICUs in mainland China and to analyse its influencing factors.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted in 444 ICUs across 11 provinces in China. Head nurses provided data on institutional characteristics and EM practice in ICUs. Logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with the implementation of EM.

RESULTS

In all, 56.98% (253/444) of ICUs implemented EM with comprehensive or complete implementation in 86 ICUs. Of the 191 ICUs that did not use EM, 136 planned to implement EM in the near future. Of the 253 ICUs that used EM, 21.34% of ICUs implemented EM for all eligible patients, while 24.90% would evaluate and carry out EM within 48 h after ICU admission, 39.13% had collaborative EM teams, 34.39% reported the use of EM protocols, 14.63% reported multidisciplinary rounds and 17.39% had medical orders and charging standards for all EM activities. Only 18.18% of ICUs conducted frequent professional training for EM, and abnormal events occurred in 15.41% of ICUs during EM practice. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that an economically strong province, the presence of a dedicated therapist team, more ICU beds and a higher staff-to-bed ratio favoured the implementation of EM. Furthermore, multidisciplinary rounds, well-established medical orders and charging standards, and a high frequency of professional training can lead to the comprehensive promotion and development of EM practice in ICUs.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the implementation rate and quality of EM practice for critically ill patients require improvement. EM practice in Chinese ICUs is still nascent and requires development in a variety of domains.

RELEVANCE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

To facilitate the implementation of EM in ICUs, more human resources, especially the involvement of a professional therapist team, should be deployed. In addition, health providers should actively organize multidisciplinary rounds and professional training and formulate appropriate EM medical orders and charging standards.

Current State of Critical Care Nursing Worldwide: Current Training, Roles, Barriers, and Facilitators

This review provides insights on the current state of roles and responsibilities, on-the-job training, barriers, and facilitators of critical care nursing (CCN) practice. Some of the established roles and training of CCN were providing care for acutely ill patients, delivering expert and specialist care, working as a part of a multidisciplinary team, monitoring, and initiating timely treatment, and providing psychosocial support and advanced system treatment, especially in high-income countries. In low-resource settings, critical care nurses work as health care assistants, technical or ancillary staff, and clinical educators; manage medications; care for mechanically ventilated patients; and provide care to deteriorating patients.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Newly Graduated Registered Nurses Undergoing Standardized Training in Intensive Care Unit Toward Early Mobilization of Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Qualitative Study in Shanghai

Aim: To explore the knowledge and attitudes of newly graduated registered nurses, who have undergone standardized training in the intensive care unit, about the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients and identify perceived barriers to the application of early mobilization.

Background: Early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients has been gradually gaining attention, and its safety and effectiveness have also been verified. Nurses in intensive care units are the implementers of early mobilization, and the quality of their care is closely related to patient prognosis. However, the knowledge and attitude of newly graduated registered nurses undergoing standardized training, in intensive care units, on the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients and the obstacles they face in clinical implementation are still unclear.

Methods: This qualitative study utilized the phenomenological method to explore the experiences of 15 newly graduated registered nurses undergoing standardized training in intensive care units in a 3rd hospital in Shanghai, China. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted in June 2020. The Colaizzi seven-step framework was used for data analysis.

Findings: A total of 15 new nurses comprised the final sample after data saturation. Three main themes emerged from the analysis and seven subthemes: perceived importance, low implementation rate, and perceived barriers.

Conclusions: Newly graduated registered nurses undergoing standardized training in intensive care units have a high level of awareness of the importance of early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients and are willing to implement it. However, there is a lack of relevant knowledge and other obstacles that restrict clinical implementation. Early mobilization should be included in the standardized training of new nurses in intensive care units.

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.

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.

Perceived barriers to early goal-directed mobility in the intensive care unit: Results of a quality improvement evaluation

BACKGROUND

A multicentre randomised trial demonstrated improved outcomes for intensive care unit (ICU) patients using early, goal-directed mobility implemented by nurses.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate barriers to nursing mobility, using a validated survey, during an ongoing quality improvement (QI) project (2019) in a medical ICU and determine changes from the pre-QI (2017) baseline.

METHODS

Nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical technicians completed the 26-item Patient Mobilization Attitudes and Beliefs Survey for the ICU (PMABS-ICU). An overall score and three subscale scores (knowledge, attitudes, behaviour), each ranging from 0 to 100, were calculated; higher scores indicated greater barriers.

RESULTS

Seventy-five (93% response rate) nurses, eight (100%) nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and 11 (100%) clinical technicians completed the PMABS-ICU. For all respondents (N = 94), the mean (standard deviation) overall PMABS-ICU score was 32 (8) and the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour subscale scores were 22 (11), 33 (11), and 34 (8), respectively. Among all respondents completing the survey in both 2017 and 2019 (N = 46), there was improvement in the mean (95% confidence interval) overall score [-3.1 (-5.8, -0.5); p = .022] and in the knowledge [-5.1 (-8.9, -1.3); p = .010] and attitudes [-3.9 (-7.3, -0.6); p = .023] subscale scores. Among all respondents (N = 48) taking the PMABS-ICU for the first time in 2019 compared with those taking the survey before the QI project in 2017 (N = 99), there was improvement in the mean (95% confidence interval) overall score [-3.8 (-6.5, -1.1); p = .007] and in the knowledge [-6.9 (-11.0, -2.7); p = .001] and attitude [-4.3 (-8.1, -0.5); p = .027] subscale scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a validated survey administered to ICU nurses and other staff, before and during a structured QI project, there was a decrease in perceived barriers to mobility. Reduced barriers among those taking the survey for the first time during the QI project compared with those taking the survey before the QI project suggests a positive culture change supporting early, goal-directed mobility implemented by nurses.

Variables associated with mobility levels in critically ill patients: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Early mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU) helps improve patients' functional status at discharge. However, many barriers hinder this practice.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

To identify mobility levels acquired by critically ill patients and their variables.

DESIGN

A multi-centre cohort study was conducted in adult patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours.

METHODS

The primary outcome was level of mobility according to the ICU mobility scale. The secondary outcome was human resource availability and existence of ABCDEF bundle guidelines. A logistic regression was performed, based on days 3 to 5 of the ICU stay and significant association with active mobility.

RESULTS

Six hundred and forty-two patients were included from 80 ICUs. Active moving in and out of bed was found on 9.9% of patient-days from day 8 of the ICU stay. Bed exercises, or passive transfers, and immobility were observed on 45.6% and 42.2% of patient-days, respectively. Patients achieving active mobility (189/642, 29.4%) were in ICUs with more physiotherapist hours. Active mobility was more likely with a 1:4 nurse-patient ratio (odds ratio [OR] 3.7 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.2-11.2]), high MRC sum-score (OR 1.05 95% CI [1.04-1.06]) and presence of delirium (OR 1.01 95% CI [1.00-1.02]). By contrast, active mobility was hindered by higher BMI (OR 0.92 95% CI [0.88-0.97]), a 1:3 nurse-patient ratio (OR 0.54 95% CI [0.32-0.93]), or a shift-dependent nurse-patient ratio (OR 0.27 95% CI [0.12-0.62]).

CONCLUSIONS

Immobility and passive mobilization were prevalent. A high MRC sum-score and presence of delirium are protective factors of mobilization. A 1:4 nurse-patient ratio shows a stronger association with active mobility than a 1:3 ratio.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Severity-criteria-based nurse-patient ratios hinder mobilization. Active mobilization may be enhanced by using nursing-intervention-based ratios, increasing physiotherapist hours, and achieving wider application of the ABCDEF bundle, resulting in more awake, cooperative patients.

Perceived barriers to early mobilization of intensive care unit patients by nurses in hospitals affiliated to Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences of Ahvaz in 2019

Early mobilization (EM) of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a safe, feasible, and beneficial approach. However, the implementation of EM as a part of routine clinical care can be challenging. As a result, the present study aimed to identify the potential barriers to EM of ICU patients. The statistical population of this descriptive-analytical study included 107 critical care nurses working in hospitals affiliated with the Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences of Ahvaz. The participants were selected using the census method among the eligible critical care nurses, and the researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. This questionnaire included a demographic questionnaire and an inventory of barriers to EM. In total, 72% of the nurses had a highly positive attitude towards EM implementation, whereas relatively few had a slightly positive attitude. The major human-resource-related barriers included the lack of trained staff (76.6%), inadequate shift nurses (74%), and inadequate time for this procedure (57.9%). Approximately 88.9%, 82.2%, 62%, and 57.9% of the nurses reported coma or a deep degree of sedation, mobilization of obese patients, mobilization of patients with agitation, and pain, respectively, as the major patient-related barriers. The lack of EM implementation and recording according to the checklist (90.4%), the lack of an approved EM implementation protocol (88.8%), and inadequate equipment for the mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients (58%) were among the major equipment-related barriers. The participating nurses were aware of the EM advantages, and the majority of them had a highly positive attitude towards its implementation in the ICU. However, nurses believed that the actual EM implementation is associated with challenges such as human resources limitations, equipment-related barriers, and patient-related barriers.

Family participation in physiotherapy-related tasks of critically ill patients: A mixed methods systematic review

PURPOSE

Providing an overview of studies on family participation in physiotherapy-related tasks of critically ill patients, addressing two research questions (RQ): 1) What are the perceptions of patients, relatives, and staff about family participation in physiotherapy-related tasks? and 2) What are the effects of interventions of family participation in physiotherapy-related tasks?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods articles were identified using PubMed, Embase and CINAHL. Studies reporting on family participation in physiotherapy-related tasks of adult critically ill patients were included. A convergent segregated approach for mixed-methods reviews was used.

RESULTS

Eighteen articles were included; 13 for RQ1, and 5 for RQ2. The included studies were quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method, including between 8 and 452 participants. The descriptive studies exhibit a general appreciation for involvement of relatives in physiotherapy-related tasks, although most of the studies reported on family involvement in general care and incorporated diverse physiotherapy-related tasks. One study explored the effectiveness of family participation on a rehabilitation outcome and showed that the percentage of patients mobilizing three times a day increased.

CONCLUSION

Positive attitudes were observed among patients, their relatives and staff towards family participation in physiotherapy-related tasks of critically ill patients. However, limited research has been done into the effect of interventions containing family participation in physiotherapy-related tasks.