Implementation of a Progressive Mobilization Program in a Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND Current literature supports implementation of progressive mobility protocols in intensive care units. Education can help nurses overcome barriers to mobility and increase knowledge about the positive effects of mobility. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of education for a progressive mobilization program for intensive care nurses on knowledge and performance. METHODS A pretest-posttest evaluation was conducted for 41 nurses, and a chart review was performed before and after implementation of the educational intervention to evaluate changes in knowledge and mobilization. RESULTS Scores after the educational intervention were significantly higher than scores before the intervention (t = 2.02; P < .001). Overall mobilization (P = .04) and dangling (P = .01) increased significantly after the education. No significant increases occurred in ambulating or getting patients up to a chair. CONCLUSIONS Mobilization education was effective and increased nurses' knowledge about the benefits of mobility for critically ill patients. The educational program also affected how nurses performed mobility interventions. Although provision of education had positive effects on patients' mobility, leadership and coaching are still important components in implementing change.