A Clinical Trial to Assess the Impact of Nurse-Directed Early Mobility on ICU Patients

Abstract

Background: Intensive care unit patients are at high risk for muscle weakness and loss, prolonged functional dependence, and hospital readmission. Early mobility is effective for addressing the physical effects of immobility; however, practical applications are limited. We propose that nurse-directed early mobility could be successfully used in the intensive care unit, and we measured its effectiveness on such patients. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess if nurse-directed early mobility reduces the number of internal appliances in situ in patients in the intensive care unit during their admission. Methods: This study was conducted using two groups, a control group and an intervention group. The control group received standard, usual care. The intervention group received additional nurse-directed early mobility. Results: We found no significant difference in the number of internal appliances in situ in any of the examined days. We observed a statistically significant better level of consciousness in the nurse-directed early mobility group. There were no adverse events. Conclusion: Nurse-directed early mobility for patients in an intensive care unit needs to be further explored. Implications for Research: A larger scale study is necessary to further explore nurse-directed early mobility and its benefits in the management of intensive care unit patients.