A Nurse-Driven Early Mobility Protocol: Its Effect on Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assist. professor of Adult Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Helwan University.

2 Lecturer of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Fayum University.

3 Lecturer of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.

Abstract

Hospitalized critically ill patients are at high risk for functional decline due to their lack of mobility. This lack of physical activity contributes to adverse effects such as muscle deconditioning, an increased risk of complications, hospital acquired injuries, and increased length of stay. Early mobilization is a necessary intervention to prevent muscle deterioration and aid in enhanced recovery of patients. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of implementing a nurse-driven early mobility protocol on intensive care unit acquired weakness among critically ill patients. Research design: A quasi-experimental design was utilized to achieve the aim of this study. Setting: this study was conducted at critical care unit at AL Kasr AL Ainy hospital affiliated to Cairo University hospital. Methods: A purposive sample of 140 adult patients, recruited randomly into two equal groups (70 patients in each). Tools: three tools were used included, structured interview questionnaire, medical research council scale, intensive care unit mobility scale. Results: Post ICU mobility protocol implementation there was a statistically significant difference between the studied groups regarding passively moving to chair with (p value=0.002). Conclusion: Nurse-driven early mobility protocol is a safe and feasible intervention; it has a positive effect on the ICU acquired weakness. Recommendations: Early mobilization protocol should be incorporated into daily clinical practice of ICU.

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