Keywords

Barriers to mobility, Bed rest, Intensive care units, Mobility teams, Progressive mobility

Authors

1. Atkins, Jordan R. BSN, RN
2. Kautz, Donald D. PhD, RN, CRRN, CNE, ACNS-BC

Abstract

Bed rest has detrimental consequences, and therefore in the ICU, progressive early mobility should be the goal for every patient expected to survive. This article examines the consequences of immobility, barriers experienced when attempting to increase patients' mobility, and ways in which dedicated mobility teams can overcome these barriers.