Factors Nurses in the Intensive Care Unit Consider When Making Decisions About Patient Mobility

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.

Using electronic health records to classify risk for adverse safety events with ICU patient Mobility: A Cross-Sectional study

BACKGROUND

Integrating early mobility (EM) expert consensus recommendations into an algorithm that uses electronic health record (EHR) data provides an opportunity for ICU nurse decision support.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare clinical differences in ICU EM algorithm domains among patients with and without documented EM and examine discordance between algorithm classification and documented EM.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of EHR data from adults admitted to the ICU from one health system's electronic data warehouse. We extracted demographic, clinical, and EM data for up to the first three days after ICU admission and applied the algorithm to classify patients as low/high-risk by clinical domain (respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, activity order, overall) each day. We used the Wilcoxon rank sum test or Fisher's exact test to compare clinical criteria and algorithm classification between patients with and without documented EM.

RESULTS

From a total of 4,088 patients, documented EM increased each ICU day. Patients with EM were more likely to be classified by the algorithm as low-risk than those who stayed in bed each day. While a large proportion of low-risk patients remained in bed each day (813 day 1; 920 day 2; 881 day 3), some patients classified as high-risk had documented EM.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant portion of patients identified as overall low-risk by the algorithm remained in bed, while some high-risk patients achieved EM. Variability between risk definitions and documented patient activity exists and understanding additional factors that nurses use to support EM decision-making is needed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

EHR data can be used with a mobility algorithm to classify patients at low and high-risk for ICU EM. In the future, with additional refinements, an algorithm may augment clinician decision-making.

Implementation of MOVIN by a Nurse-Led Clinical Team: A Multiple Methods Evaluation Using the RE-AIM Framework

PURPOSE

To evaluate the implementation of MOVIN, a multicomponent mobility intervention, by a nurse-led team and measure the effectiveness on unit-level outcomes.

METHOD

A pragmatic quasi-experimental study was conducted on an inpatient adult medical unit. Evaluation was guided by the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Interviews with 13 organizational partners were conducted to understand barriers and facilitators to adoption. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Quantitative data to determine effectiveness on distance of patient ambulation and percent of patients ambulated by nursing staff were analyzed using an interrupted time series.

RESULTS

A significant increase in total weekly distances for patient ambulation and percent of patients ambulated by nursing staff occurred between preintervention, intervention, and postintervention periods. Themes for adoption included: Value, Immediate Feedback, Inclusive Implementation, Resource Needs, and Lack of Organizational Evidence. The nurse-led team demonstrated high fidelity to maintaining the core components of MOVIN.

CONCLUSION

A nurse-led team can successfully launch a multicomponent mobility intervention and sustain impact. RE-AIM supported assessments of key partners at multiple organizational levels, capturing critical unit level outcomes. Multiple methods for data collection and analysis yielded rich results to inform future dissemination of MOVIN. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17(4), 189-201.].

Preimplementation of Critical Care Early Mobility Clinical Decision Support: A Content Validation Study

Early mobility is a form of critical care rehabilitation ranging from in-bed exercise to ambulation and is known to limit post-intensive-care functional decline. Multiple barriers prevent widespread early mobility implementation. Clinical decision support systems can optimize the decision-making process and overcome barriers to care. However, critical care early mobility clinical decision support does not exist. Our objective was to develop and establish the content validation of the operational definitions for a novel critical care early mobility assessment instrument. Content validation was conducted in two steps: (1) development of operational definitions by the research team and (2) content validation with 10 nurse experts. Quality assessment and suitability of the operational definitions for 30 items, across four safety domains, were assessed using a 7 point-Likert scale. Item content validity index scores ranged from 0.6 to 0.1 after the first validation round. Domains containing items with item content validity index scores less than the lower limit of 0.78 were modified for clarity of language. Item content validity index scores ranged from 0.8 to 1.0, and the scale-level content validity index was 0.93 after the second content validation round. Excellent content validity of the operational definitions was achieved. This is the first methodological step in a larger project to develop clinical decision support for critical care early mobility.

Clinician and patient perspectives on the barriers and facilitators to physical rehabilitation in intensive care: a qualitative interview study

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to explore patient, relative/carer and clinician perceptions of barriers to early physical rehabilitation in intensive care units (ICUs) within an associated group of hospitals in the UK and how they can be overcome.

DESIGN

Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic framework analysis.

SETTING

Four ICUs over three hospital sites in London, UK.

PARTICIPANTS

Former ICU patients or their relatives/carers with personal experience of ICU rehabilitation. ICU clinicians, including doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, involved in the delivery of physical rehabilitation or decisions over its initiation.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES MEASURES

Views and experiences on the barriers and facilitators to ICU physical rehabilitation.

RESULTS

Interviews were carried out with 11 former patients, 3 family members and 16 clinicians. The themes generated related to: safety and physiological concerns, patient participation and engagement, clinician experience and knowledge, teamwork, equipment and environment and risks and benefits of rehabilitation in intensive care. The overarching theme for overcoming barriers was a change in working model from ICU clinicians having separate responsibilities (a multidisciplinary approach) to one where all parties have a shared aim of providing patient-centred ICU physical rehabilitation (an interdisciplinary approach).

CONCLUSIONS

The results have revealed barriers that can be modified to improve rehabilitation delivery in an ICU. Interdisciplinary working could overcome many of these barriers to optimise recovery from critical illness.

Perceived barriers to mobility in the intensive care units of Singapore: The Patient Mobilisation Attitudes and Beliefs Survey for the intensive care units

Purpose

Prolonged bed rest and immobility in the intensive care units (ICU) increase the risk of ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW) and other complications. Mobilisation has been shown to improve patient outcomes but may be limited by the perceived barriers of healthcare professionals to mobilisation. The Patient Mobilisation Attitudes and Beliefs Survey for the ICU (PMABS-ICU) was adapted to assess perceived barriers to mobility in the Singapore context (PMABS-ICU-SG).

Methods

The 26-item PMABS-ICU-SG was disseminated to doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and respiratory therapists working in ICU of various hospitals across Singapore. Overall and subscale (knowledge, attitude, and behaviour) scores were obtained and compared with the clinical roles, years of work experience, and type of ICU of the survey respondents.

Results

A total of 86 responses were received. Of these, 37.2% (32/86) were physiotherapists, 27.9% (24/86) were respiratory therapists, 24.4% (21/86) were nurses and 10.5% (9/86) were doctors. Physiotherapists had significantly lower mean barrier scores in overall and all subscales compared to nurses (p < 0.001), respiratory therapists (p < 0.001), and doctors (p = 0.001). A poor correlation (r = 0.079, p < 0.05) was found between years of experience and the overall barrier score. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall barriers score between types of ICU (χ2(2) = 4.720, p = 0.317).

Conclusion

In Singapore, physiotherapists had significantly lower perceived barriers to mobilisation compared to the other three professions. Years of experience and type of ICU had no significance in relation to barriers to mobilisation.

Barriers and perceived benefits of early mobilisation programmes in Dutch paediatric intensive care units

BACKGROUND

Early mobilisation of critically ill adults has been proven effective and is safe and feasible for critically ill children. However, barriers and perceived benefits of paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) staff involvement in mobilising critically ill children are largely unknown. In this study, we explored the barriers and perceived benefits regarding early mobilisation of critically ill children as perceived by PICU staff.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study among staff from seven PICUs in the Netherlands has been carried out.

RESULTS

Two hundred and fifteen of the 641 health care professionals (33.5%) who were invited to complete a questionnaire responded, of whom 159 (75%) were nurses, 40 (19%) physicians, and 14 (6%) physical therapists. Respondents considered early mobilisation potentially beneficial to shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation (86%), improve wake/sleep rhythm (86%) and shorten the length of stay in the PICU (85%). However, staff were reluctant to mobilize patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) (63%), and patients with traumatic brain injury (49%). Perceived barriers to early mobilisation were hemodynamic instability (78%), risk of dislocation of lines/tubes (74%), and level of sedation (62%). In total, 40.3% of PICU nurses stated that physical therapists provided enough support in their PICU, but 84.6% of the physical therapists believed support was sufficient.

CONCLUSION

Participating PICU staff considered early mobilisation as potentially beneficial in improving patient outcomes, although barriers were noted in certain patient groups.

RELEVANCE TO PRACTICE

We identified barriers to early mobilisation which should be addressed in implementation research projects in order to make early mobilisation in critically ill children work.

Mobilizing Ventilated Neurosurgery Patients: An Integrative Literature Review

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lack of mobilization in ventilated neurosurgery patients is problematic due to significant consequences. Although early mobility addresses these complications, few studies have been conducted in this population, resulting in infrequent mobilization efforts. Nurses prioritize and implement patient care interventions, including mobilization, with multidisciplinary teams. This integrative literature review examines what is known regarding nursing perceptions on mobilization and their role within a multidisciplinary team for mobilization in ventilated neurosurgery patients. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using online databases to identify research articles on early mobility studies in ventilated critically ill and neurosurgical patients from 2010 to 2020. RESULTS: Twenty studies were identified and indicated a paucity of research specific to mobilizing ventilated neurosurgery patients. Nurses understand the purpose and benefits of early mobility in critically ill and mechanically ventilated patients. Mixed perceptions exist regarding the responsibility for prioritizing and initiating mobilization. Main barriers include patient safety concerns, untimeliness due to limited resources, unit culture, lack of nursing knowledge, and need for improved teamwork. Associations between teamwork-based interventions and decreased length of stay, increased rates of mobility, and faster time to early mobilization exist. Nurse-led interventions showed additional benefits including positive perceptions such as empowerment, confidence, increased knowledge, and a progressive shift in unit culture. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates a continued need for understanding nursing perceptions and role in teamwork to mobilize ventilated neurosurgery patients. Future research should focus on testing nurse-led mobility interventions so higher rates of mobilization and provision of holistic patient care can be achieved.

Care and treatments related to intensive care unit-acquired muscle weakness: A cohort study

BACKGROUND

Intensive care unit-acquired muscle weakness (ICUAW) has an incidence of 40-46%. Early mobilisation is known to be a protective factor.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to identify the incidence of ICUAW in Spain and to evaluate variables likely to contribute to the development of ICUAW.

METHODS

A 4-month, prospective observational multicentre cohort study was conducted on patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h. Data were collected from ICU day 3 until ICU discharge. The primary outcome was presence of ICUAW (diagnosed using the Medical Research Council [MRC] scale). The secondary outcome was nurse-patient ratio, physiotherapist availability, analgesia, sedation and delirium management, glycaemic control, and daily level of mobility during the ICU stay as per the ICU Mobility Scale. A logistic regression model was constructed based exclusively on days 3-5 of the ICU stay.

RESULTS

The data of 642 patients were analysed from 80 ICUs, accounting for 35% of all ICUs in Spain. The incidence of ICUAW was 58% (275 of 474 patients; 95% confidence interval [CI] [53-62]). The predictors for ICUAW were older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01; 95% CI [1.00-1.03]) and more days with renal replacement therapy (OR = 1.01; 95% CI [1.00-1.02]). The protective factors for ICUAW were male gender (OR = 0.58; 95% CI [0.38-0.89]), higher Barthel Index (showing prehospital functional independence) (OR = 0.97; 95% CI [0.95-0.99]), more days of being awake and cooperative (defined by a feasible MRC assessment) (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97-0.99]), presence of delirium (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97-0.99]), and more days with active mobilisation (ICU Mobility Scale ≥ 4) (OR = 0.98; 95% CI [0.97-0.99]).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk factors for ICUAW were functional dependence before admission, female gender, older age, and more days on renal replacement therapy. The protective factors for ICUAW were feasibility of MRC assessment, the presence of delirium, and being actively mobilised during the first 5 days in the ICU.

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.

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.

Intensive Care Unit Nursing Priorities in the United States

This integrative review presents the most recent and relevant critical care nursing research publications in the United States. A comprehensive search identified publications on the topics of delirium; early mobility; communication; palliative care; tele-intensive care unit; care bundle implementation; and prevention, detection, and early management of infection. The evidence is summarized for each of these topics, as well as other research, with suggestions and guidance for end users.