Implementation of an Interdisciplinary AACN Early Mobility Protocol.

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Quality Improvement Science
• Patient Mobility Research

Background:

• Early mobility is a key component of the ABCDEF bundle in intensive care units (ICUs).
• This study evaluated an interdisciplinary mobility protocol in specialty ICUs that had already adopted other components of the ABCDEF bundle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of implementing an interdisciplinary early mobility protocol.
• To determine the effect on patient mobility levels and length of stay in specialized ICUs.

Main Methods:

• A staggered quality improvement project utilized the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) mobility protocol.
• Two phases of data collection were conducted, involving different patient cohorts and observation periods before and after protocol implementation.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in mean mobility levels and ICU Mobility Scale scores were observed post-implementation (P < .001 and P = .01, respectively).
• Complications related to mobilization were minimal (0.2%).
• Phase 2 showed 84% of patients achieved out-of-bed activity, with decreased time to mobility and significantly reduced ICU length of stay in both phases.

Conclusions:

• The AACN early mobility protocol, when integrated with existing ABCDEF bundle components, effectively enhances patient mobility in ICUs.
• Implementation leads to a reduced length of stay and decreased delirium incidence.
• The protocol demonstrates a favorable safety profile with minimal complications.