Evaluation of Early Mobilisation Practices in Paediatric Intensive Care Units in Türkiye

Implementing a standardised care plan for patients in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) minimises the risk of complications associated with immobility.

To evaluate early mobilisation practices in PICUs in Türkiye.

The study was conducted as an online survey between March and October 2024 reaching responsible/senior nurses working in PICUs. Two evaluation forms (Participant and Unit Evaluation Form and Early Mobilisation Evaluation Form) were used to collect the data, which were then analysed using the SPSS statistical software.

The data show that two 75 out of 102 units had an early mobilisation protocol/guideline, and early mobilisation was initiated for inpatients in 57.3% of the units as soon as the patients became stable. The majority (81.3%, n=61) of the nurses participated in early mobilisation practices. Participants rated the importance of early mobilisation for patients in the unit as 'important and a priority' (mean score: 3.13 ± 1.01; range 0-5, with 5 being best). The participants reported several barriers to early mobilisation, including a lack of written guidelines or protocols, inadequate healthcare workers and equipment, and a high workload for employees.

The study found that early mobilisation protocols were lacking. However, its importance was recognised, and it was made a priority.

Critical care nurses require regular in-service training to strengthen their knowledge and skills so that they can safely and effectively implement early mobilisation. In this process, protocols based on current literature will support nurses' clinical decisions and improve the quality of care.