Early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients: a 1-day point-prevalence study in Germany.

OBJECTIVES: There is growing evidence to support early mobilization of adult mechanically ventilated patients in ICUs. However, there is little knowledge regarding early mobilization in routine ICU practice. Hence, the interdisciplinary German ICU Network for Early Mobilization undertook a 1-day point-prevalence survey across Germany. DESIGN: One-day point-prevalence study. SETTING: One hundred sixteen ICUs in Germany in 2011. PATIENTS: All adult mechanically ventilated patients. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: For a 24-hour period, data were abstracted on hospital and ICU characteristics, the level of patient mobilization and associated barriers, and complications occurring during mobilization. One hundred sixteen participating ICUs provided data for 783 patients. Overall, 185 patients (24%) were mobilized out of bed (i.e., sitting on the edge of the bed or higher level of mobilization). Among patients with an endotracheal tube, tracheostomy, and noninvasive ventilation, 8%, 39%, and 53% were mobilized out of bed, respectively (p < 0.001 for difference between three groups). The most common perceived barriers to mobilizing patients out of bed were cardiovascular instability (17%) and deep sedation (15%). Mobilization out of bed versus remaining in bed was not associated with a higher frequency of complications, with no falls or extubations occurring in those mobilized out of bed. CONCLUSIONS: In this 1-day point-prevalence study conducted across Germany, only 24% of all mechanically ventilated patients and only 8% of patients with an endotracheal tube were mobilized out of bed as part of routine care. Addressing modifiable barriers for mobilization, such as deep sedation, will be important to increase mobilization in German ICUs.

Family witnessed resuscitation - experience and attitudes of German intensive care nurses.

AIM: To explore German intensive care nurses' experiences and attitudes toward family witnessed resuscitation (FWR). BACKGROUND: The subject of FWR has fuelled much controversy among health professionals. Typically studies involving European critical and cardiac nurses' under-represent the perspective of individual countries. Arguably research exploring the experiences and attitudes of nurses by country may expand understanding and embrace cultural values. DESIGN: Descriptive survey. METHODS: Three hundred and ninety-four German intensive care nurses attending a conference were invited to complete a 36-item questionnaire on their experiences and attitudes towards FWR. Participants were also invited to share, in writing, other thoughts relevant to the study. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 166 (42.1%) questionnaires were returned completed. Seventy participants had experiences with family members being present and for 46 (65.7%) these were negative. Participants (68%) did not agree that family members should have the option to be with loved ones during resuscitation. Over half (56.0%) were concerned that family presence may adversely influence staff performance during resuscitation procedures. There was a lack of certainty about the outcomes of the practice, although 61% agreed that family presence could facilitate better understanding among relatives. Qualitative responses where characterized by four broad themes relating to individualized decision-making, supporting families, threats of violence and family involvement. CONCLUSIONS: German intensive care nurses have guarded attitudes towards FWR because of their experiences and concerns for the well-being of relatives and staff. Introducing this topic within nursing curricula, as part of resuscitation training and by wider professional debate will help challenge and resolve practitioner concerns and objections. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Health professionals have anxieties about possible consequences of FWR, strategies involving education and simulation training may improve attitudes.

Caloric consumption during early mobilisation of mechanically ventilated patients in Intensive Care Units.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a) the magnitude of the increase in caloric consumption due to early mobilisation of patients with mechanical ventilation (MV) in Intensive Care Units (ICU) as part of routine care, b) whether there are differences in caloric consumption due to active or passive mobilisation, and c) whether early mobilisation in routine care would lead to additional nutritional requirements. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, multi-centre study. SETTING: Medical, surgical and neurological ICUs from three centres. PATIENTS: Patients on MV in ICU who were mobilised out of bed as part of routine care. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Caloric consumption was assessed in 66 patients by indirect calorimetry at six time points: (1) lying in bed 5-10 min prior to mobilisation, (2) sitting on the edge of the bed, (3) standing beside the bed, (4) sitting in a chair, (5) lying in bed 5-10 min after mobilisation, and (6) 2 h after mobilisation. Differences in caloric consumption in every mobilisation level vs. the baseline of lying in bed were measured for 5 min and found to have increased significantly by: +0.4 (Standard Deviation (SD) 0.59) kcal while sitting on the edge of the bed, +1.5 (SD 1.26) kcal while standing in front of the bed, +0.7 (SD 0.63) kcal while sitting in a chair (all p < 0.001). Active vs. passive transfers showed a higher, but non-significant consumption. A typical sequence of mobilisation including sitting on edge of the bed, standing beside the bed, sitting in a chair (20 min) and transfer back into bed, would require an additional 4.56 kcal compared to caloric consumption without mobilisation. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this data, routine mobilisation of MV patients in ICU increases caloric consumption, especially in active mobilisation. Nevertheless, an additional caloric intake because of routine mobilisation does not seem to be necessary.