Ten strategies to optimize early mobilization and rehabilitation in intensive care

Scandinavian healthcare professionals' perceptions of rehabilitation practices in the intensive care unit. A cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE

To describe healthcare professionals' perception of current early rehabilitation practices and their preconditions, focusing on functional and cognitive stimulation facilitated by nurses and other healthcare professionals in Scandinavian intensive care units (ICUs).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional electronic survey administered to healthcare professionals. The survey was developed in Danish, translated into Norwegian and Swedish, and delivered using Google Forms. The qualitative data were analysed using the framework method.

SETTING

Scandinavian ICUs.

RESULTS

Practices facilitated by nurses and other healthcare professionals in the ICU often began with weaning from the ventilator and reducing sedation. This was followed by increased mobilisation and building physical strength. There was attention to optimising nutrition, swallowing function, and oral intake. Enabling communication and employing cognitively stimulating activities and bodily stimulation to engage the patient's mind were also framed as rehabilitation. To avoid delirium and overexertion, it was important to balance rest and activity and to shield the patient from unnecessary stimulation. Furthermore, it was important to support the patient's will to live and to involve the family in rehabilitation. Post-discharge rehabilitation activities included reaching out to patients discharged to wards and homes.

CONCLUSION

Rehabilitation was described as progressing from passive to active as patients gained consciousness and strength. Weaning, balancing rest and activity, supporting the patient's life courage and will to recover, open visitation policies, and multi-professional collaboration were important prerequisites for rehabilitation.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

All aspects of patient care can function as important opportunities for physical and cognitive rehabilitation. Balancing rest and activity is important for conserving the patient's energy for rehabilitation.

Effectiveness of a delirium risk assessment and multidisciplinary care approach in reducing delirium incidence among surgical intensive care unit patients: A retrospective pre-post intervention study

BACKGROUND

Delirium is a common complication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. It can lead to various adverse events. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of combining the use of the PREdiction of DELIRium (PRE-DELIRIC) model for delirium risk assessment and the use of a multicomponent care bundle for delirium assessment, prevention, and care in terms of reductions in the incidence of delirium among surgical ICU patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included surgical ICU patients who had received PRE-DELIRIC-guided SMART/SmART care (SMART care: SmART bundle plus multidisciplinary team; SmART care: Sleep/sweet sense of home (creating a comforting and restful environment for patients), Assessment (regular and thorough evaluation of patient needs and conditions), Release (revised endotracheal tube care/removal, restraint device care, and immobility reduction for patient comfort), and Time (reorientation of time to optimize patient care schedules) in our hospital between May 2022 and March 2023 (intervention group) and individuals who had received usual care between January 2021 and April 2022 (historical control group). The SmART intervention involves providing care in the following domains: sleep/sweet sense of home, assessment, release, and time. Patients with a PRE-DELIRIC score of >30% received SMART care, which includes multidisciplinary (physicians, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, and physiotherapists) care in addition to SmART care. For the control group, usual care was provided following the guidelines for the prevention and management of pain, agitation, delirium, immobility, and sleep disruption. The primary outcome was delirium incidence during ICU stay, which was assessed using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. The secondary outcomes were the duration of ICU stay, rate of unplanned self-extubation, and status of ICU discharge.

RESULTS

The intervention and control groups comprised 184 and 197 patients, respectively; their mean ages were 63.7 ± 18.4 years and 62.4 ± 19.5 years, respectively. The incidence of delirium was significantly lower (p = 0.001) in the intervention group (22.3%) than in the control group (47.7%).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that the PRE-DELIRIC-guided SMART/SmART care intervention is effective in preventing and managing delirium among surgical ICU patients.

Status quo and influencing factors of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary teamwork for early mobilization in mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs: A multi-centre survey study

AIM

To understand the status quo of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary collaboration for early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients in Chinese ICUs and identify any factors that may influence this practice.

DESIGN

A multi-centre cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

From October to November 2022, the convenience sampling method was used to select ICU multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early mobility members (including physicians, nurses and physiotherapists) from 27 tertiary general hospitals in 14 provinces, cities and autonomous regions of China. They were asked to complete an author-developed questionnaire on the status of collaboration and the Assessment of Inter-professional Team Collaboration Scale. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyse the factors associated with the level of collaboration.

RESULTS

Physicians, nurses and physiotherapists mostly suffered from the lack of normative protocols, unclear division of responsibilities and unclear multiprofessional and multidisciplinary teams when using a collaborative approach to early activities. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the number of ICU patients managed, the existence of norms and processes, the attitude of colleagues around them, the establishment of a team, communication methods and activity leaders were significant influences on the level of collaboration among members of the multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early activities.

CONCLUSION

The collaboration of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary early activity members for mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU remains unclear, and the collaboration strategy needs to be constructed and improved, taking into account China's human resources and each region's economic development level.

IMPACT

This study investigates the collaboration status of multiprofessional and multidisciplinary activity members from the perspective of teamwork, analyses the reasons affecting the level of collaboration and helps to develop better teamwork strategies to facilitate the implementation of early activities.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

The participants in this study were multiprofessional and multidisciplinary medical staff who performed early activities for ICU patients.

Perceived Barriers of Clinical Roles Towards Intensive Care Unit Mobility

Background: There is overwhelming evidence of improved patient outcomes as a result of early mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, several barriers of ICU mobility remain understated with reference to clinical roles. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived barriers of early mobility of critically ill patients among ICU healthcare providers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the Mobilization Attitudes and Beliefs Survey (PMABS-ICU) was administered to ICU healthcare providers using an online survey. The study investigated barriers related to knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding ICU mobility practices. These barriers were compared among different ICU clinical roles. Results: The survey yielded a total number of 214 healthcare providers with 41% female and 59% male. Respiratory therapists reported the highest perceived barriers to ICU mobility (M 39, IQR 36, 43) % compared to physical therapists (who reported the lowest barriers), occupational therapists, nurses, and physicians (p ≤ 0.05). ICU healthcare providers' behavior towards ICU mobility such as perceived benefits and safety is ranked as the primary barrier (M 49, IQR 42, 52) %. Professional experience did not significantly vary among all groups. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that ICU healthcare providers' perceptions, including both potential benefits and safety concerns regarding mobility, are significant barriers to implement mobility practices. ICU mobility barriers should be tackled by providing education and training. A focused effort to include RTs and nurses could advance interdisciplinary ICU mobility practice and reduce associated barriers.

Continuous Catheter Techniques Versus Single-Injection Nerve Blocks: A Comprehensive Review of Postoperative Pain Management Strategies

Effective postoperative pain management is crucial for optimizing patient recovery and enhancing surgical outcomes. This review compares two prominent regional anesthesia techniques, continuous catheter techniques and single-injection nerve blocks, focusing on their efficacy, safety, and impact on patient outcomes. Single-injection nerve blocks involve administering a one-time anesthetic dose to a specific nerve or plexus, offering immediate but transient pain relief. In contrast, continuous catheter techniques utilize a catheter to deliver a continuous infusion of anesthetic, providing extended analgesia. The review synthesizes current evidence on the effectiveness of each method, highlighting that single-injection blocks are advantageous for their simplicity and rapid onset but may require supplementary pain management for longer procedures. Continuous catheter techniques, while offering prolonged pain relief, carry risks such as infection and catheter displacement. The comparative analysis of these techniques reveals that both have distinct roles in postoperative care, with choice depending on the surgical procedure and patient needs. Patient satisfaction, recovery times, and overall outcomes are critical factors in determining the optimal pain management strategy. Future research should focus on refining these techniques and exploring innovations to improve patient care and pain management outcomes. This review provides insights for clinicians to make informed decisions about postoperative pain management to enhance patient comfort and recovery.

Impact of the health policy for interdisciplinary collaborative rehabilitation practices in intensive care units: A difference-in-differences analysis in Japan

BACKGROUND

Early rehabilitation in intensive care units (ICUs) may be beneficial but is not routinely performed for adults with critical illness. In April 2018, the Japanese government introduced a health policy to provide financial incentives to hospitals that met the requirements of interdisciplinary collaboration and had teams specialized in ICU rehabilitation practices.

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to investigate whether the health policy is associated with improved clinical practices of ICU rehabilitation.

METHODS

Using a nationwide administrative inpatient database and hospital statistics data from Japan, we identified hospitals that admitted adult patients to the ICU within two days of hospital admission from April 2016 to March 2019. Using hospital-level propensity score matching, we created matched cohorts of 101,203 patients from 108 intervention hospitals that introduced the health policy, and 106,703 patients from 108 control hospitals that did not. We then conducted patient-level difference-in-differences analyses to examine changes in the percentage of patients from the intervention and control hospitals, who underwent early ICU rehabilitation within two days of ICU admission before and after the implementation of the health policy.

RESULTS

In the intervention group, patients undergoing early ICU rehabilitation increased from 10% and 36% after the policy implementation. In the control group, it increased from 11% to 13%. The difference-in-difference in the percentage of patients who underwent early ICU rehabilitation between the two groups was 24% (95% confidence interval, 19%-29%).

CONCLUSIONS

Early ICU rehabilitation can be facilitated by financial incentives for hospitals that engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with specialist teams.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Our Findings are relevant for hospital administrators, professional organizations, and policymakers in other nations considering strategies to support the additional deployment burdens of early ICU rehabilitation. Future studies need to explore the long-term effects and sustainability of the observed improvements in ICU rehabilitation practices.

Assessing the impact of early progressive mobilization on moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of neurodisability worldwide, with notably high disability rates among moderately severe TBI cases. Extensive previous research emphasizes the critical need for early initiation of rehabilitation interventions for these cases. However, the optimal timing and methodology of early mobilization in TBI remain to be conclusively determined. Therefore, we explored the impact of early progressive mobilization (EPM) protocols on the functional outcomes of ICU-admitted patients with moderate to severe TBI.

METHODS

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a trauma ICU of a medical center; 65 patients were randomly assigned to either the EPM group or the early progressive upright positioning (EPUP) group. The EPM group received early out-of-bed mobilization therapy within seven days after injury, while the EPUP group underwent early in-bed upright position rehabilitation. The primary outcome was the Perme ICU Mobility Score and secondary outcomes included Functional Independence Measure motor domain (FIM-motor) score, phase angle (PhA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and duration of ventilation.

RESULTS

Among 65 randomized patients, 33 were assigned to EPM and 32 to EPUP group. The EPM group significantly outperformed the EPUP group in the Perme ICU Mobility and FIM-motor scores, with a notably shorter ICU stay by 5.9 days (p < 0.001) and ventilation duration by 6.7 days (p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in PhAs.

CONCLUSION

The early progressive out-of-bed mobilization protocol can enhance mobility and functional outcomes and shorten ICU stay and ventilation duration of patients with moderate-to-severe TBI. Our study's results support further investigation of EPM through larger, randomized clinical trials. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04810273 . Registered 13 March 2021.

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.

Rehabilitation for adult patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Current information on the latest rehabilitative practices is limited, with previous reviews only covering data up to October 2021, and some considering only patients on awake ECMO or with COVID-19. This review aims to present a concise overview of the latest findings on rehabilitation and highlight emerging trends for patients undergoing ECMO support.

METHODS

This integrative review was conducted by searching the National Library of Medicine - PubMed database. Two different search strings "extracorporeal membrane oxygenation" AND "rehabilitation" and "extracorporeal membrane oxygenation" AND "physiotherapy" were used to search the published literature. Articles that did not describe rehabilitation techniques, editorials, conference proceedings, letters to editor, reviews and research protocols were excluded. Studies conducted on pediatric populations were also excluded. The search process was completed in December 2023.

RESULTS

Thirteen articles were included in the final analysis. Eight hundred and thirty-nine patients aged between 27 and 63 years were included; 428 were men (51%). In 31% of the included studies, patients had COVID-19; nevertheless, rehabilitative activities did not differ from non-COVID-19 patients. In most studies, rehabilitation commenced within the first 48-96 h and consisted of progressive exercise and out-of-bed activities such as sitting, standing and walking.

CONCLUSION

Current practice focuses on rehabilitative protocols that incorporate exercise routines with progressive intensity, greater emphasis on out-of-bed activities, and a multidisciplinary approach to patient mobilization.

Mobilizing Progress: A Comprehensive Review of the Efficacy of Early Mobilization Therapy in the Intensive Care Unit

Early mobilization therapy has emerged as a crucial aspect of intensive care unit (ICU) management, aiming to counteract the detrimental effects of prolonged immobility in critically ill patients. This comprehensive review examines the efficacy of early mobilization therapy in the ICU setting, synthesizing evidence from clinical trials, meta-analyses, and guidelines. Key findings indicate that early mobilization is associated with numerous benefits, including reduced muscle weakness, a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, decreased ICU and hospital length of stay, and improved functional outcomes. However, safety concerns, staffing limitations, and patient-specific considerations pose significant barriers to widespread adoption. Despite these challenges, early mobilization is important for improving ICU patient outcomes. This review underscores the critical need for continued research and implementation efforts to optimize early mobilization protocols, address remaining challenges, and expand access to this beneficial therapy. By working collaboratively to overcome barriers and prioritize early mobilization, healthcare providers can enhance the quality of care and improve outcomes for critically ill patients in the ICU.

Early Rehabilitation in Critically ill Children: A Two Center Implementation Study

OBJECTIVES

To implement an early rehabilitation bundle in two Canadian PICUs.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Implementation study in the PICUs at McMaster Children's Hospital (site 1) and London Health Sciences (site 2).

PATIENTS

All children under 18 years old admitted to the PICU were eligible for the intervention.

INTERVENTIONS

A bundle consisting of: 1) analgesia-first sedation; 2) delirium monitoring and prevention; and 3) early mobilization.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Primary outcomes were the duration of implementation, bundle compliance, process of care, safety, and the factors influencing implementation. Secondary endpoints were the impact of the bundle on clinical outcomes such as pain, delirium, iatrogenic withdrawal, ventilator-free days, length of stay, and mortality. Implementation occurred over 26 months (August 2018 to October 2020). Data were collected on 1,036 patients representing 4,065 patient days. Bundle compliance was optimized within 6 months of roll-out. Goal setting for mobilization and level of arousal improved significantly (p < 0.01). Benzodiazepine, opioid, and dexmedetomidine use decreased in site 1 by 23.2% (95% CI, 30.8-15.5%), 26.1% (95% CI, 34.8-17.4%), and 9.2% (95% CI, 18.2-0.2%) patient exposure days, respectively, while at site 2, only dexmedetomidine exposure decreased significantly by 10.5% patient days (95% CI, 19.8-1.1%). Patient comfort, safety, and nursing workload were not adversely affected. There was no significant impact of the bundle on the rate of delirium, ventilator-free days, length of PICU stay, or mortality. Key facilitators to implementation included institutional support, unit-wide practice guidelines, dedicated PICU educators, easily accessible resources, and family engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

A rehabilitation bundle can improve processes of care and reduce patient sedative exposure without increasing patient discomfort, nursing workload, or harm. We did not observe an impact on short-term clinical outcomes. The efficacy of a PICU-rehabilitation bundle requires ongoing study. Lessons learned in this study provide evidence to inform rehabilitation implementation in the PICU setting.

Survival outcomes and mobilization during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective cohort study

Introduction

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) can be considered in critically ill patient in severe pulmonary failure. However, the mobilization of patients on V-V ECMO can be challenging due to logistic and safety concerns. This study aimed to investigate whether 30 days survival was improved in patients who were mobilized during V-V ECMO support.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort all-comer study that included all patients cannulated for V-V ECMO at a single center. Patients with a V-V ECMO duration below 24 h were excluded from the analysis. The patients were grouped based on the ICU mobility scale documented during V-V ECMO support. The primary endpoint was 30 days survival, and secondary endpoints included weaning from ECMO and mechanical ventilation, as well as hospital survival.

Results

A total of 343 patients were included in the study, with a median age of 56 years and 32% were female. Among them, 28% had chronic lung disease. The ICU mobilization scale ≥2 during ECMO was documented in 62/343 (18%) patients. There were no significant differences in age, gender and preexisting lung disease. Duration of ICU stay (13.1 vs. 15.6 days), time on ECMO (186 vs. 190 h) and mechanical ventilation (11.2 vs. 13.6 days) were slightly shorter in patients with ICU mobility scale <2 compared to those with ≥2 (all p = 0.0001). However, patients with ICU mobilization scale ≥2 showed significantly better 30 days survival (71.0 vs. 48.0%, OR 2.6 (1.5 to 4.8), p = 0.0012) compared to those with <2. In the ≥2 mobility scale group, a significantly higher number of patients were successfully weaned from the ventilator (61.3 vs. 46.6%, OR 1.8 (1.0 to 3.2), p = 0.049). A stronger correlation was observed between more intense mobilizations, such as being in a standing position (OR 5.0 (1.7 to 14.0), p = 0.0038), and higher 30 days survival.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that active mobilization during V-V ECMO support is associated with improved 30 days survival and successful weaning from the respirator. Incorporating mobilization as part of the therapeutic approach during ECMO support may offer potential benefits for critically ill patients.

Physiotherapy services in intensive care. A workforce survey of Australia and New Zealand

BACKGROUND

In Australia and New Zealand, there are currently no recommendations to guide staffing levels for intensive care unit (ICU) physiotherapy services, and there is limited information about the current services provided.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to document the profile of intensive care physiotherapy services currently offered in Australia and New Zealand.

METHODS

A binational survey was distributed to physiotherapists. The survey sought information on staffing and service profiles for weekday, weekend, and after-hour services including on-call and evening shifts.

RESULTS

Eighty-six sites completed the survey, with responses primarily from Level 3 (47/86, 55%) and public ICUs (74/86, 86%). For weekday services, the ratio of full-time equivalent physiotherapy staff allocated per bed was similar between all intensive care levels (0.11 [0.08-0.15], p = 0.421). Thirty respondents (35%) were satisfied with their staffing and reported higher levels of physiotherapy staff per bed (0.15 [0.1-0.2], p < 0.001). Most sites reported lower levels of staffing for weekend services (76/86, 88%), and many physiotherapists indicated that they were not satisfied with this service (55/86, 64%). Most Level 2, Level 3, and paediatric ICUs had a designated senior physiotherapist, with similar levels of senior physiotherapy staff allocated per bed between all ICU levels (0.05 [0.03-0.08], p = 0.844). Few sites reported dedicated staff attributed to intensive care education, research, tracheostomy service, or outreach roles. On-call physiotherapy services were available in 49 of 86 (57%) hospitals surveyed; however, utilisation of the service by ICUs was mainly reported to be less than once per month (19/49, 39%).

CONCLUSIONS

Physiotherapy staffing ratios were similar across different ICU levels. While weekend services are available for most ICUs, staffing levels are reduced. Higher staffing ratios were associated with higher levels of satisfaction to complete professional roles and responsibilities.

Early Mobilization for Critically Ill Patients

Advances in the field of critical care medicine have helped improve the survival rate of these ill patients. Several studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of early mobilization as an important component of critical care rehabilitation. However, there have been some inconsistent results. Moreover, the lack of standardized mobilization protocols and the associated safety concerns are a barrier to the implementation of early mobilization in critically ill patients. Therefore, determining the appropriate modalities of implementation of early mobilization is a key imperative to leverage its potential in these patients. In this paper, we review the contemporary literature to summarize the strategies for early mobilization of critically ill patients, assess the implementation and validity based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, as well as discuss the safety aspects of early mobilization.

Patient mobilisation in the intensive care unit and evaluation of a multifaceted intervention including Facebook groups: A quasi-experimental study

AIMS

To describe prevalence and time to mobilisation in intensive care unit patients defined as a minimum sitting in an upright position in bed, and evaluate the impact of a multifaceted quality improvement campaign on likelihood of patients being mobilised.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN

Quality improvement project using a quasi-experimental study design, comparing patient cohorts before (Before) and after (Intervention) a campaign including educational sessions, audit and feedback of intensive care unit quality indicators via closed Facebook-groups and e-mail and local opinion leaders. Secondary analysis of mobilisation data from adult intensive care patient stays extracted from electronical medical charts. Likelihood of being mobilised was analysed with Multivariate Cox-regression model and reported as Sub-hazard Ratio (SHR).

SETTING

Four intensive care units in a university hospital.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence and time to first documented mobilisation, defined as at least "sitting in bed" during the intensive care unit stay.

RESULTS

Overall, 929 patients were analysed, of whom 710 (76 %) were mobilised; 73 % (356/ 489) in Before vs 81 % (354/ 440) in Intervention (p = 0.007). Median time to mobilisation was 69.9 (IQR: 30.0, 149.8) hours; 71.7 (33.9, 157.9) in Before and 66.0 (27.1, 140.3) in Intervention (p = 0.104). Higher SAPS II-scores were associated with lower likelihood (SHR 0.98, 95 % CI 0.97-0.99), whereas admissions due to gastroenterological failure (SHR 2.1, 95 % CI 1.4-3.0), neurological failure (SHR 1.5, 95 % CI 1.0-2.2) and other causes (intoxication, postoperative care, haematological-, and kidney failure) (SHR 1.7, 95 % CI 1.13-2.6) were associated with higher likelihood of mobilisation vs respiratory failure.

CONCLUSION

A quality improvement campaign including use of Facebook groups is feasible and may improve mobilisation in intensive care unit patients. Most patients were mobilised within 72 hours following intensive care unit admission, and SAPS II scores and causes for intensive care unit admission were both associated with likelihood of being mobilised.

More is less: Effect of ICF-based early progressive mobilization on severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the NICU

Introduction

Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a type of stroke that occurs due to a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. Although advanced therapies have been applied to treat aSAH, patients still suffer from functional impairment leading to prolonged stays in the NICU. The effect of early progressive mobilization as an intervention implemented in the ICU setting for critically ill patients remains unclear.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated ICF-based early progressive mobilization's validity, safety, and feasibility in severe aSAH patients. Sixty-eight patients with aSAH with Hunt-Hess grades III-IV were included. They were divided into two groups-progressive mobilization and passive movement. Patients in the progressive mobilization group received progressive ICF-based mobilization intervention, and those in the passive movement group received passive joint movement training. The incidence of pneumonia, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of NICU stay, and incidence of deep vein thrombosis were evaluated for validity. In contrast, the incidence of cerebral vasospasm, abnormally high ICP, and other safety events were assessed for safety. We also described the feasibility of the early mobilization initiation time and the rate of participation at each level for patients in the progressive mobilization group.

Results

The results showed that the incidence of pneumonia, duration of mechanical ventilation, and length of NICU stay were significantly lower among patients in the progressive mobilization group than in the passive movement group (P = 0.031, P = 0.004, P = 0.012), but the incidence of deep vein thrombosis did not significantly differ between the two groups. Regarding safety, patients in the progressive mobilization group had a lower incidence of cerebral vasospasm than those in the passive movement group. Considering the effect of an external ventricular drain on cerebral vasospasm (P = 0.015), we further analyzed those patients in the progressive mobilization group who had a lower incidence of cerebral vasospasm in patients who did not have an external ventricular drain (P = 0.011). Although we found 2 events of abnormally increased intracranial pressure in the progressive mobilization group, there was no abnormal decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure in the 2 events. In addition, among other safety events, there was no difference in the occurrence of adverse events between the two groups (P = 0.073), but the number of potential adverse events was higher in the progressive mobilization group (P = 0.001). Regarding feasibility, patients in the progressive mobilization group were commonly initiated 72 h after admission to the NICU, and 47.06% were in the third level of the mobilization protocol.

Discussion

We conclude that the ICF-based early progressive mobilization protocol is an effective and feasible intervention tool. For validity, more mobilization interventions might lead to less pneumonia, duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay for patients with severe aSAH in the NICU, Moreover, it is necessary to pay attention over potential adverse events (especially line problems), although we did not find serious safety events.

Functional mobility effects of progressive early mobilization protocol on people with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: A pre-post intervention study

BACKGROUND: Brain plasticity evoked by environmental enrichment through early mobilization may improve sensorimotor functions of patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Increasing evidence also suggests that early mobilization increases verticalization, which is beneficial to TBI patients in critical care. However, there are limited data on early mobilization interventions provided to patients with moderate-to-severe TBI. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the possible enhancing effects of revised progressive early mobilization on functional mobility and the rate of out-of-bed mobility attained by patients with moderate-to-severe TBI. METHODS: This is a quantitative study with a retrospective and prospective pre–post intervention design. We implemented a revised progressive early mobilization protocol for patients with moderate-to-severe TBI admitted to the trauma intensive care unit (ICU) within the previous seven days. The outcome parameters were the rate of patients attaining early mobilization (sitting on the edge of the bed) and the Perme ICU Mobility Score at discharge from the ICU. The outcome parameters in the intervention cohort were compared with those from a historical control cohort who received standard medical care a year previously. Differences in the Perme ICU Mobility Score between the two cohorts were assessed using univariate analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included in the progressive early mobilization program and were compared with 44 patients who underwent standard medical care. In the intervention cohort, 100% and 57.2% of the patients completed early rehabilitation and early mobilization, respectively, compared to 0% in the control cohort. The intervention cohort at ICU discharge showed significantly improved the Perme ICU Mobility Scores. CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of the revised progressive early mobilization program for patients with moderate-to-severe TBI resulted in significantly improved mobility at ICU discharge; however, the length of overall stay in the ICU may be not affected.

A bibliometric and visualized analysis of early mobilization in intensive care unit from 2000 to 2021

Background

Early mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a hotspot. This study aims to provide a bibliometric perspective of the progress in this field.

Methods

We extracted publications on ICU early mobilization published in the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2000 to 2021. VOSviewer was used to construct co-occurrence and co-citation relationships for authors, references, and keywords; Citespace was used to visualize knowledge mapping of subject categories, countries, and keywords with the strongest citation bursts.

Results

A total of 4,570 publications were analyzed, with a steady increase in publications in the field of ICU early mobilization. From a macro perspective, research on ICU early mobilization involves multidisciplinary involvement, including critical care medicine, neurology, and nursing; as for the meso perspective, the United States is the major contributor. Needham DM and Schweickert WD are the key researchers in this field. Moreover, the core journal is Critical Care Medicine, with the most publications and citations. The microscopic level, dominated by references and keywords, illustrates that the hotspot and frontier of research on ICU early mobilization focus on ICU-acquired weakness, delirium, the prognosis of critical illness, and severe COVID-19.

Conclusion

This study presents a research landscape of ICU early mobilization from different perspectives. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the current state of research in critical care medicine and provide the available information for future research ideas.

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.

An Update on Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy during Mechanical Ventilation

Physiotherapists are integral members of the multidisciplinary team managing critically ill adult patients. However, the scope and role of physiotherapists vary widely internationally, with physiotherapists in some countries moving away from providing early and proactive respiratory care in the intensive care unit (ICU) and focusing more on early mobilization and rehabilitation. This article provides an update of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy for patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU. Common and some more novel assessment tools and treatment options are described, along with the mechanisms of action of the treatment options and the evidence and physiology underpinning them. The aim is not only to summarize the current state of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy but also to provide information that will also hopefully help support clinicians to deliver personalized and optimal patient care, based on the patient's unique needs and guided by accurate interpretation of assessment findings and the current evidence. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy plays an essential role in optimizing secretion clearance, gas exchange, lung recruitment, and aiding with weaning from mechanical ventilation in ICU. The physiotherapists' skill set and scope is likely to be further optimized and utilized in the future as the evidence base continues to grow and they get more and more integrated into the ICU multidisciplinary team, leading to improved short- and long-term patient outcomes.

Time to active sitting position: One-year findings from a temporary COVID-19 intensive care unit

Objective

To investigate the association between time to active sitting position and clinical features in people with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) and referred to physiotherapists.

Method

Prospective study conducted in the largest temporary ICU in Lombardy (Italy) between April 2020 and June 2021. All individuals with COVID-19 who received physiotherapy were included. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model was fitted to explore the statistical association between active sitting position and characteristics of patients referred to physiotherapists, also accounting for the different multidisciplinary teams responsible for patients.

Results

284 individuals over 478 (59.4%) had access to physiotherapy, which was performed for a median of 8 days, without difference between multidisciplinary teams (P = 0.446). The active sitting position was reached after a median of 18 (IQR: 10.0–32.0) days. Sex was the only characteristic associated with the time to active sitting position, with males showing a reduced hazard by a factor of 0.65 (95% CI: 0.48–0.87; P = 0.0042) compared to females. At ICU discharge, nearly 50% individuals increased Manchester Mobility Score by 3 points. During physiotherapy no major adverse event was recorded.

Conclusion

Individuals with COVID-19 take long time to reach active sitting position in ICU, with males requiring longer rehabilitation than females.