Early Ambulation in Patients With External Ventricular Drains: Results of a Quality Improvement Project

Introduction:Prolonged immobility in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) can lead to muscle wasting and weakness, longer hospital stays, increased number of days in restraints, and hospital-acquired infections. Increasing evidence demonstrates the safety and feasibility of early mobilization in the ICU. However, there is a lack of evidence in the safety and feasibility of mobilizing patients with external ventricular drains (EVDs). The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and feasibility of early mobility in this patient population.Methods:We conducted a prospective, observational study. All patients in the study were managed with standard protocols and procedures practiced in our ICU including early mobility. Patients with an EVD who received early mobilization were awake and following commands, had a Lindegaard ratio 80 mm Hg, and an intracranial pressure consistently <20 mm Hg. Data we...