Early Mobilization of Intensive Care

Patients Improves Outcomes

Angela Purgiel

Purpose
Early mobility has been identified as being beneficial in decreasing length of stay and healthier outcomes for
patients mechanically ventilated in the Intensive care (ICU) setting. This is a literature review of current research
articles supporting the conclusion that early mobility benefits the vented ICU patient.

Methodology
A literature review was completed using the PubMed search engine. The search words used were early mobility
in the ICU patient. Six research studies were reviewed and the results were analyzed.

Results
According to the research studies early mobility decreased length of stay from 14.5 from 11.2. It was also
identified that delirium could be decreased from 4 days to 2 days. Most importantly it was identified that early
mobility slowed the decreasing of muscle mass from 30% down to only 15%.

Conclusion
Implementing an early mobility protocol decreases length of stay, delirium, and slows the decreasing of muscle
mass.

Significance to Nursing
This is significant to nursing because the current practice is to mobilize the patient as little as possible. Research is showing that
this is inconsistent with the current data and bedside nurses should be encouraged to mobilize patients in the early stages of
their ICU stay in order to ensure better outcomes.

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