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Evaluation of Early Mobilisation Practices in Paediatric Intensive Care Units in Türkiye
Sezgin Düzce1, Duygu Sönmez Düzkaya2, Atiye Karakul2
1Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Mersin University Hospital, Mersin, Türkiye.
Insights
Early mobilisation protocols are lacking in Turkish paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), despite nurses recognizing its importance. Further training and standardized guidelines are needed to improve patient care and reduce immobility risks.
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Pediatric Nursing
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- Standardized care plans in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) are crucial for minimizing immobility-related complications.
- Early patient mobilization is a key component of modern critical care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current status of early mobilisation practices in PICUs within Türkiye.
- To identify barriers and facilitators to implementing early mobilisation protocols in Turkish PICUs.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was administered to senior nurses in PICUs across Türkiye from March to October 2024.
- Data were collected using Participant and Unit Evaluation Forms and Early Mobilisation Evaluation Forms.
- Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Main Results:
- Only 75 out of 102 PICUs reported having an early mobilisation protocol or guideline.
- Early mobilisation was initiated in 57.3% of units once patients stabilized.
- Nurses highly valued early mobilisation (mean score 3.13/5) but cited barriers like lack of guidelines, insufficient staff/equipment, and high workload.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists in the implementation of early mobilisation protocols in Turkish PICUs.
- Despite protocol deficiencies, the importance of early mobilisation is recognized and prioritized by critical care nurses.
- Regular in-service training and literature-based protocols are essential for nurses to effectively implement early mobilisation and enhance care quality.
Background:
Implementing a standardised care plan for patients in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) minimises the risk of complications associated with immobility.
Aim:
To evaluate early mobilisation practices in PICUs in Türkiye.
Study Design:
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.
Results:
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.
Conclusions:
The study found that early mobilisation protocols were lacking. However, its importance was recognised, and it was made a priority.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
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.
