Early mobilization of patients in the Intensive Care Unit: contribution to Rehabilitation Nursing. A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Early mobilization is a technique that can facilitate the performance of self-care, promoting gains in muscle strength and an increase in the degree of independence, consequently reducing the length of hospital stay as well as the costs inherent to it. Objectives: To identify, through a systematic literature review study, the benefits of early mobilization in intensive care patients. Methodology: A systematic literature review was carried out based on the methodology proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. The research was carried out in the MedLine®, CINAHL®, PubMed ® databases considering as inclusion criteria studies published in the last 10 years. JBI instruments were used to methodologically evaluate the studies. Results: Five studies were included, out of a total of 160 identified articles. Prolonged inactivity leads to numerous complications, namely cognitive, functional and emotional, which through early mobilization can be minimized and / or avoided. Conclusion: Through the analysis of the articles, we found that early mobilization reduces the length of hospital stay and avoids complications and allows health gains. Yet, some barriers were identified, such as the workload of nurses, the lack of clarity regarding the responsibility for mobilization, the risks of injury to the team, the patient's motivation and the participation of the family that weakens early mobilization

Keywords

• early ambulation
• early mobilization
• nursing
• nurses
• early mobility
• intensive care
• rehabilitation