| Research indicates that early mobilization improves patients' functional ability; decreases intensive care unit (ICU) delirium and ICU acquired weakness; decreases pain; preserves and increases muscle strength, respiratory function, and overall quality of life; and decreases the length of ventilator days and hospital length of stay with minimal risks. The synthesis of this evidence indicates positive patient outcomes from early ambulation; as such, its practice should be implemented. The lack of early patient ambulation results in longer-than-average length of hospital admission days, and is a major health concern. In response to these problems, the PICOT question "In an acute care inpatient setting, what is the effect of early and progressive mobilization on patient outcomes compared to bed rest" was formed. The deleterious effects of bed rest have been well researched and documented. Early ambulation has been demonstrated as a beneficial treatment. The purpose of this evidence-based practice project was to design, implement and evaluate an early patient mobilization program as part of a bundled method of care in an acute care inpatient setting. A PICOT question was posed and a critical appraisal of the evidence was used to design, implement and evaluate the early mobilization model. |
