Nurses in Motion for Early Mobilization of Critically Ill Children in the Intensive Care Unit

Critically ill children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) may suffer from anxiety, delirium, decreased muscle strength, and negative memories afterward, in addition to the effects of the illness. 

Early mobilization

Early mobilization (EM) has been proposed to improve these negative experiences. It is feasible and safe for these children. However, EM is not yet part of daily nursing practice in PICUs worldwide and nationally. This is caused by a variety of barriers. Parental involvement in EM is perceived positively by parents and helps them regain control over the care of their critically ill child. 

Aim

In this study, EM, as already implemented in one of the 7 Dutch PICUs, will serve as an example for implementation at the other PICUs. They will evaluate the effect of the nursing VM program in critically ill children on the degree of parental involvement in mobility care, parental stress and a mobilization activities.