Management of early mobilization in intensive care units: a multicenter cross-sectional study

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the management of early mobilization(EM) in Chinese intensive care units(ICUs).Methods: This survey used a cross-sectional, observational design. A total of 65 tertiary and secondary hospitals were enrolled by convenience sampling and investigated using self-designed questionnaires.Results: We identified 69 ICUs in Jiangsu, China(response rate: 94.2%). 74.2%(1,004/1,353) of the nurses and nursing managers from 65 ICUs reported mobility practice. For the mobility level, 98.1%(1,327) reported use of in-bed exercise, 5.7%(77) sitting on a side of bed, 21.7%(294) transfer to chair, and 2.4%(33) walking. The most frequently reported barriers to early mobility were unplanned extubation, nursing resource, and absence of physical therapist. Nurses’ educational backgrounds, nursing experience, the lack of nursing resources, absence of physician, and the weakness of patient were the factors that influenced ICU early rehabilitation(P<0.01).Conclusions: Although implementation rates for EM in critically ill patients are high, the activity level is generally poor in most of the involved ICUs.