Sammanfattning
A multifaceted intervention model, which both generated knowledge about the need for changes in practice and facilitated the change in practice, enabled lasting change from passive to more active mobilisation of patients in an intensive care unit.
The project was a non-randomised, prospective intervention study with baseline benchmarking and follow-up after one and two years. The study population consisted of all adult patients nursed in the intensive care unit for more than 24 hours.
In the baseline benchmarking, all mobilisation activities for every single patient were recorded over a four-month period. Next, an intervention was implemented, consisting of both information such as a guideline and mobilisation algorithm and practical ancillary resources such as assistive devices and additional physiotherapy sessions.
The results demonstrated an increase in the proportion of patients able to sit on edge-of-bed, stand upright, and the level of active mobilisation was sustained at the two-year follow-up.
It is achievable to alter practices for the benefit of patients provided that awareness is instilled of the need for change, and the requisite practical resources are made available.