Nurse-Led Algorithm-Based Early Mobilization Protocol for Reducing Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Yunhee Jeong, Hyeongsuk Lee
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled pretest-posttest study evaluated a nurse-led, algorithm-based early mobilization protocol in 38 adults recovering from cardiac surgery at a Korean tertiary hospital. Compared with usual care, the protocol was associated with significantly better post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) scores, anxiety and depression, sleep quality, and nursing satisfaction; each reported comparison had P < .001. No mobilization-related adverse events occurred. The findings support potential benefits and safety in this study setting, although the small sample limits how broadly the results can be applied.
Key findings
- PICS scores improved in the intervention group versus control (Z = -3.83, P < .001).
- Anxiety and depression improved versus control (Z = -3.52, P < .001).
- Sleep quality improved versus control (Z = -3.83, P < .001), and all nursing satisfaction subdomains improved (Z = -3.58 to -3.83, P < .001).
- No mobilization-related adverse events were reported.
Why it matters
PICS and related psychological and sleep difficulties are concerns after cardiac surgery. This trial suggests that a structured, nurse-led mobilization approach may improve several patient-reported outcomes while avoiding observed mobilization-related adverse events. The results add evidence for this approach in cardiovascular intensive care, but the study size and setting warrant caution when interpreting its broader applicability.
What to keep in mind
The trial included only 38 patients at one Korean tertiary hospital, limiting the precision and generalizability of its findings.