Patient early mobilization: A Malaysia's study of nursing practices

Background: The practices of early mobilization on mechanical ventilated patient is associated to decrease length of stay in intensive care unit, decrease ventilator associated pneumonia, prevent deep vein thrombosis and skin breakdown. However, in Malaysia, little is known about nurses' practices and barriers of early mobilization in intensive care unit.

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess nurses' practices regarding early mobilization among mechanically ventilated patient.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to assess current nurses' practices and barriers on patient early mobilization among in intensive care unit of a teaching hospital in Malaysia. A convenient sampling approach was used. A participant self-administer checklist was distributed to assess the practices.

Results: Researcher found that half (n=99, 75%) of the nurses mobilize their mechanically ventilated patient 3 times or more per shift. There was no association between nurses demographic data and nurses' early mobilization practice.

Conclusions: ICU nurses able to meet the minimal practice of mobilize patient 3 times or more per shift work.

Author(s):

Yee Leng Leong, Mei Chan Chong and Rasnah Binti Abdul Rahman

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