Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service III (Projects aiming at quality service to patients and their carers)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
Clinical Safety and Quality Service II (Projects aiming to enhance clinical safety and outcomes, clinical governance / risk management)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Lau KL (1)(2), Wong S (1)(2), Chun HY (1)(2), Lo SO (1)(2), Cheng HH (1)(2), Wu HY (1)(2), Hui CM (1), Kwok MK (1)(2)
Affiliation :
(1) Kolwoon East Cluster (2) Department of Medicine (MSS), Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Introduction :
Optimizing patient recovery and outcomes is a paramount goal in intensive care units (ICUs). ICU-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) stands out as a prominent obstacle, impacting approximately 25% of ICU patients. This condition significantly hinders both physical and psychological recuperation, resulting in prolonged ventilated days and length of stay in ICUs. Early Mobilization Program (EMP) serves as an evidence-based practice to prevent ICU-AW. The impact of implementing EMP in a local ICU was investigated in this study.
Objectives :
(1) To enhance ICU nurses’ competency to promote EMP
(2) To investigate the effect of EMP on ICU patient mobility
Methodology :
Data were collected in Tseung Kwan O Hospital over an 11-month period through convenience sampling. Descriptive correlational approach was employed to assess relationships between implementation of EMP and patient mobility scale. Eligible ICU patients underwent 15-minute sessions of tailored mobilization exercises following a comprehensive assessment twice daily. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze nurse compliance rate as well as differences in patient muscle strength and mobility scales before and after EMP.
Result & Outcome :
From July 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023, 114 ICU patients were included in this study, comprising 60% males and 40% females. Nursing compliance rate for implementing the EMP is 82%. Meanwhile, significant improvements in patient mobility were observed in this study, notably in upper limb strength (pre-EMP mean: 3.63; post-EMP mean: 4.56), lower limb strength (pre-EMP mean: 3.38; post-EMP mean: 4.24), and mobility scales (pre-EMP mean: 1.38; post-EMP mean: 3.31) after applying EMP (p< 0.001).
EMP demonstrates promise as an evidence-based practice within ICUs. This study underscores the potential benefits of implementing EMP in critical care settings. Encouraged by these positive results, the EMP team aims to inspire further study and discussion on this practice so as to propel advancements in ICU patient recovery and outcomes.
