Surgical intensive care unit mobility is increased after institution of a computerized mobility order set and intensive care unit mobility protocol: a prospective cohort analysis

Am Surg. 2010 Aug;76(8):818-22.

Abstract

In some populations, intensive care unit (ICU) mobility has been shown to be safe and beneficial. We gathered data on 50 nonintubated surgical patients in a 10-bed surgical ICU (SICU) who met physiologic inclusion criteria beginning in May 2008 (A group). In January 2009, we began mandatory entry of computerized mobility orders as part of a standardized ICU order set. We also created a mobility protocol for nurses in this ICU. We then collected data on 50 patients in this postintervention cohort (B group). Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. A group patients had some form of mobility orders entered in 29 patients (58%) versus 47 patients (82%) in the B group, P < 0.05. In the A group, 11 patients (22%) were mobilized; in the B group, 40 patients (80%) were mobilized, P < 0.05. In our SICU patient population, mandatory entry of computerized mobility orders as part of a standard SICU order set and establishment of an ICU mobility nursing protocol was associated with an increase in number of mobility orders entered as well as an increase in SICU patient activity. Further studies should focus on measurement of the effect of mobility interventions on patient outcomes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Cohort Studies
  • Computers
  • Critical Care
  • Early Ambulation / methods*
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Male
  • Medical Order Entry Systems*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies