Background:
Early mobilization (EM) is effective and safe in patients admitted to the intensive care units (ICUs). EM can prevent bedridden-related complications such as infections, and thromboembolic complications and can improve hospital outcomes. However, implementing an effective protocol can face many challenges. Addressing barriers to early mobilization can guarantee better compliance with the applied protocols.
Material and methods:
A cross-sectional study in the form of a survey was applied to a sample of ICU nurses working in 3 ICUs at Beni-Suef University Hospital, Egypt. The participants were from surgical ICU [35 (38%)], medial ICU [31(33.7%], mixed ICU [26(28.3%)]. Of the participating nurses, 92 were the majority from the registered nurses [70(76.1%)],12(13.1) nurses were under training nurses, and 10(10.9%) were from other working category nurses. The survey addressed patient-related barriers, structural related barriers, cultural related barriers, and process-related barriers. Responses were graded by a 5-point Likert scale (5-strongly agree,4-agree,3-neutral,2-disagree,1-strongly disagree). positive responses were counted as (strongly agree and agree).
Results:
The majority of nurses reported that high severity of illness (72.8%), Limited staff, time constraints (70.8%), Lack of mobility culture (54.3%), Lack of planning and coordination (60.9%), Inadequate staff training (51.1%) represented major barriers for EM.
Conclusion:
Early mobilization protocols can be implemented in ICUs after adequate addressing of potential barriers that can face healthcare workers, prepare the ICU environment with equipment and trained personnel.