Improving Patient Outcomes Using Measures to Increase Discharge Rates to Home.

Background Post-acute care (PAC) centers are facilities used for recuperation, rehabilitation, and symptom management in an effort to improve the long-term outcomes of patients. PAC centers include skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care hospitals. In the 1990s, Medicare payment reforms significantly increased the discharge rates to PAC centers and subsequently increased the length of stay (LOS) among these patient populations. Over the last several years, there have been national initiatives and multidisciplinary approaches to improve safe discharge rates to home. Multiple studies have shown that patients who are discharged to home have decreased rates of 30-day readmissions, reduced short-term mortality, and an improvement in their activities of daily living.  Objectives This study aimed to investigate how multidisciplinary approaches could improve a single institution's discharge rates to home. In doing so, we aim to lower hospital readmission rates, hospital length of stay, morbidity and mortality rates, and healthcare-associated costs. Methods A retrospective single-institution cohort study was implemented at Jersey Shore University Medical Center (JSUMC). Data from January 2015 to December 2019 served as the control period, compared to the intervention period from January 2020 to January 2024. Patients were either admitted to JSUMC teaching faculty, hospitalists, or "others," which is composed of various medical and surgical subspecialists. Interventions performed to improve home discharge rates can be categorized into the following: physician education, patient education, electronic medical record (EMR) initiatives, accountability, and daily mobility initiatives. All interventions were performed equally across the three patient populations. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients discharged to home. Results There were 190,699 patients, divided into a pre-intervention group comprising 98,885 individuals and a post-intervention group comprising 91,814 patients. Within the pre-intervention group, the faculty attended to 8,495 patients, hospitalists cared for 39,145 patients, and others managed 51,245 patients. In the post-intervention period, the faculty oversaw 8,014 patients, hospitalists attended to 35,094 patients, and others were responsible for 48,706 patients. After implementing a series of multidisciplinary interventions, there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients discharged home, rising from 74.9% to 80.2% across the entire patient population. Specifically, patients under the care of the faculty experienced a more substantial improvement, with a discharge rate increasing from 73.6% to 84.4%. Similarly, the hospitalists exhibited a rise from 69.4% to 74.3%, and the others demonstrated an increase from 79.3% to 83.7%. All observed changes yielded a p-value < 0.001. Conclusions By deploying a multifaceted strategy that emphasized physician education, patient education, EMR initiatives, accountability measures, and daily mobility, there was a statistically significant increase in the rate of patient discharges to home. These initiatives proved to be cost-effective and led to a tangible reduction in healthcare-associated costs and patient length of stay. Further studies are required to look into the effect on hospital readmission rates and morbidity and mortality rates. The comprehensive approach showcased its potential to optimize patient outcomes.

Corrigendum: Survival outcomes and mobilization during venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a retrospective cohort study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1271540.].

Assessing the impact of early progressive mobilization on moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of neurodisability worldwide, with notably high disability rates among moderately severe TBI cases. Extensive previous research emphasizes the critical need for early initiation of rehabilitation interventions for these cases. However, the optimal timing and methodology of early mobilization in TBI remain to be conclusively determined. Therefore, we explored the impact of early progressive mobilization (EPM) protocols on the functional outcomes of ICU-admitted patients with moderate to severe TBI. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a trauma ICU of a medical center; 65 patients were randomly assigned to either the EPM group or the early progressive upright positioning (EPUP) group. The EPM group received early out-of-bed mobilization therapy within seven days after injury, while the EPUP group underwent early in-bed upright position rehabilitation. The primary outcome was the Perme ICU Mobility Score and secondary outcomes included Functional Independence Measure motor domain (FIM-motor) score, phase angle (PhA), skeletal muscle index (SMI), the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), and duration of ventilation. RESULTS: Among 65 randomized patients, 33 were assigned to EPM and 32 to EPUP group. The EPM group significantly outperformed the EPUP group in the Perme ICU Mobility and FIM-motor scores, with a notably shorter ICU stay by 5.9 days (p < 0.001) and ventilation duration by 6.7 days (p = 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in PhAs. CONCLUSION: The early progressive out-of-bed mobilization protocol can enhance mobility and functional outcomes and shorten ICU stay and ventilation duration of patients with moderate-to-severe TBI. Our study's results support further investigation of EPM through larger, randomized clinical trials. Clinical trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04810273 . Registered 13 March 2021.

Early Ambulation Following Lung Resection Surgery: Impact on Short-term Outcomes in Patients with Lung Cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies indicated that early ambulation following lung resection can prevent postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). However, some patients fail to achieve early ambulation owing to factors such as postoperative nausea, vomiting, or pain, particularly on postoperative day 1. This study aimed to address the critical clinical question: Is ambulation for ≥10 m during initial pulmonary rehabilitation necessary after lung resection surgery? METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study included 407 patients who underwent lung resection surgery for lung cancer between January 2021 and December 2022. Twelve patients with a performance status of ≥2 and 21 patients lacking pulmonary rehabilitation prescriptions were excluded. Patients were categorized into the "early ambulation" group, which included individuals ambulating ≥10 m during rehabilitation on the first postoperative day, and the "delayed ambulation" group. The primary outcome was PPC incidence, with secondary outcomes encompassing pleural drain duration, hospital length of stay, and Δ6-minute walk distance (Δ6MWD: postoperative 6MWD minus preoperative 6MWD). RESULTS: The early and delayed ambulation groups comprised 315 and 59 patients, respectively. Significant disparities were noted in the length of hospital stay (7 [6-9] days vs. 8 [6-11] days, P = 0.01), pleural drainage duration (4 [3-5] days vs. 4 [3-6] days, P = 0.02), and Δ6MWD (-70 m vs. -100 m, P = 0.04). However, no significant difference was observed in PPC incidence (20.6% vs. 32.2%, P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Ambulation for ≥10 m during initial pulmonary rehabilitation after lung resection surgery may yield short-term benefits as evidenced by improvements in various outcomes. However, it may not significantly affect the PPC incidence.

Do Patients Achieve "Full Weight-bearing" Immediately Following Application of Circular Frame Fixation of the Lower Limb?

Introduction: The decision to use circular frame fixation for lower limb trauma, or elective deformity correction, often accompanies the assertion that the patient will be able to fully weight-bear through the limb immediately following surgery. Materials and methods: About 53 patients underwent retrospective review. Included in the study were current attendees of adult specialist physiotherapy, following circular frame application to the lower leg at our Institution between August 2018 and January 2020. Cases with incomplete data, cases given postoperative status of non-weight-bearing, those with physiotherapy follow-up conducted elsewhere, or cases of polytrauma were excluded from the study.Weight-bearing assessment and rehabilitation supervision were at the discretion of the physiotherapy team. The clinical concept of 'full weight-bearing' is poorly defined, but was documented in the context of displaying a stable gait using elbow crutches and subsequently without walking aids. Comparative data was analysed using an unpaired, two-tailed Welch's t-test. Results: Mean postoperative time to full weight-bearing using crutches was 28.3 days (0-159) (n = 40).Mean postoperative time to independent full weight-bearing with no walking aids was 230.6 days (35-393), or 7.1 months (0-12) (n= 34).No significant differences were seen between:Frames for open injuries (n= 5) vs closed injuries (n = 17; p > 0.4).Joint-spanning constructs (n= 18) vs non-spanning constructs (n = 21; p > 0.6), orTreatment of intra-articular injuries (n = 14) vs extra-articular injuries (n = 17; p > 0.2).Interpretation of these results should be made with caution due to sample size. Conclusion: The ability to permit patients to fully weight-bear immediately after surgery is often a distinct advantage of the circular frame over other fixation modalities, for a variety of indications. However, it does not follow that patients are capable of doing so; there is a long dependency on walking aids. This would appear to be the case irrespective of open/closed injuries, intra-/extra-articular injuries, or the use of a spanning construct across the knee or ankle. How to cite this article: Craig A, Barron E, Sharma H, et al. Do Patients Achieve "Full Weight-bearing" Immediately Following Application of Circular Frame Fixation of the Lower Limb? Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2024;19(1):40-44.

The barriers to and facilitators of implementing early mobilisation for patients with delirium on intensive care units: A systematic review.

Background: Early mobilisation of critically ill patients remains variable across practice. This study set out to determine barriers to and facilitators of early mobilisation for patients diagnosed with delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: A mixed-methods descriptive systematic review. Electronic databases (AMED, BNI, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Medline and EMBASE) were searched for publications up to 22nd December 2021. Independent reviewers screened studies and extracted data using Covidence Systematic Review Management software. Data were summarised according to frequency (n/%) of barriers and facilitators. Thematic analysis of qualitative studies was carried out in order to address the secondary aim. Quantitative studies were assessed using the GRADE quality assessment tool. Qualitative studies were analysed according to the GRADE-CERQual quality assessment tool. This study was prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD 42021227655). Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative findings demonstrated the presence of delirium was the most common reported barrier to early mobilisation. The most common facilitator was ICU staff experience of positive outcomes as a result of early mobilisation interventions. Thematic analysis identified six main themes that may describe potential meanings behind these findings: (1) knowledge, (2) personal preferences, (3) perceived burden of delirium, (4) perceived complexity, (5) decision-making and (6) culture. Conclusion: These findings highlight the reported need to further understand the impact and value of early mobilisation as a non-pharmacological intervention for patients diagnosed with delirium in ICU. Evaluation of early mobilisation interventions involving key stakeholders may address these concerns and provide effective implementation strategies.

Safety and feasibility of early mobilization in patients submitted to cardiac surgery using subxiphoid drain.

INTRODUCTION: Patients submitted to heart surgery are restricted to the bed of the Intensive Care Units (ICUs), due to this period of immobility the individual is likely to present clinical and functional alterations. These complications can be avoided by early mobilization; however, in some hospitals, this is not feasible due to the use of subxiphoid drain in the immediate postoperative period. OBJECTIVE: To verify the safety and feasibility of mobilizing patients after cardiac surgery using subxiphoid drain. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study. On the first day the patient was positioned in sedestration in bed, then transferred from sitting to orthostasis, gait training and sedestration in an armchair. On the second postoperative day the same activities were performed, but with walking through the ICU with a progressive increase in distance. At all these moments, the patient was using the subxiphoid and intercostal drain. The patients were seen three times a day, but physical rehabilitation was performed twice. The adverse events considered were drain obstruction, accidental removal or displacement, total atrioventricular block, postoperative low output syndrome, cardiorespiratory arrest, pneumomediastinum, infection, and pericardial or myocardial damage. RESULTS: 176 patients were evaluated. Only 2 (0.4 %) of the patients had complications during or after mobilization, 1 (0.2 %) due to drain obstruction and 1 (0.2 %) due to accidental removal or displacement. CONCLUSION: Based on the data observed in the results, we found that the application of early mobilization in patients using subxiphoid drain after cardiac surgery is a safe and feasible conduct.

Outcomes of mobilization in the first hour following uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Introduction: Although primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a common disease in young adults, each thoracic surgery department performs different procedures for its management. Aim: The optimal time of postoperative mobilization is not yet standardized in lung surgery. Material and methods: This study included male patients with a primary spontaneous pneumothorax who underwent wedge resection of the upper lobe of the lungs via uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Patients were encouraged to stand up within the first postoperative hour. Mobilization was defined as standing and walking at least 100 m from the bed. If orthostatic hypotension occurred, mobilization was postponed for 30 min. Immediately after surgery, intravenous fluids were discontinued, and patients were instructed to drink water. The analgesic treatment needs, length of hospitalization, drainage, and discharge times were recorded. Results: A total of 43 patients were operated on by the same surgeon. All operations were ended with uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Wedge resection is most commonly indicated for recurrent ipsilateral pneumothorax. Patients walked 345 (range: 150-510) m on the department corridor following bed rest. Paracetamol (2 g) and dexketoprofen (100 mg) were intravenously administered as postoperative analgesia to 76.7% of patients. Narcotic drugs were not needed. Conclusions: Mobilization was recommended in the first hour following uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Resultado da mobilização precoce sobre as repercussões clínicas e funcionais de cirurgias torácicas: revisão integrativa / Resultados de la temprana movilización sobre las repercusiones clínicas y funcionales de cirugíatorácica: revisión integrativa / Results of early mobilization on the clinical and functional repercussions of patients submitted to thoracic surgery: integrative review

Introdução: O período de internação os pacientes passam por um longo período de imobilização no leito, acompanhada de complicações e comorbidades que podem ocorrer no período pós-operatório. A fisioterapia aturará prevenindo os efeitos da imobilidade no leito, além de melhorar a independência funcional do paciente. Objetivo: Diante o exposto, o objetivo desse estudo é analisar as repercussões clínicas e funcionais da reabilitação precoce em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia torácica. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa. Critérios de inclusão: ensaios clínicos randomizados, artigos completos, dos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol, publicados entre 2012 e 2022. Critérios de exclusão: protocolos de ensaios, ensaios não finalizados, estudos inferiores ao ano de 2012 e outras línguas. Descritores: Cirurgia torácica; Deambulação precoce; Modalidades de Fisioterapia. Com seus respectivos termos na língua inglesa. Resultados: Foram encontrados 51 artigos. Com os critérios estabelecidos foram selecionados 06 artigos. Os estudos dos autores avaliados se mostraram benéficos para a terapia de deambulação precoce combinada e exercícios. Conclusões: Os achados resultam na minimização das alterações de fluxo e volume pulmonar, otimização da mecânica do movimento tóraco-abdominal e aumento da amplitude do movimento dos músculos respiratórios, facilitando a reexpansão pulmonar e melhorando osparâmetros de função pulmonar (AU)>

Introduction: During hospitalization, patients go through a long period of immobilization in bed, accompanied by complications and comorbidities that may occur in the postoperative period. Physical therapy will help prevent the effects of immobility in bed, in addition to improving the patient's functional independence. Objective:Given the above, the objective of this study is to analyze the clinical and functional repercussions of early rehabilitation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery. Methodology:It is a systematic review. Inclusion criteria: randomized clinical trials, complete articles, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, published between 2012 and 2022. Exclusion criteria: trial protocols, unfinished trials, studies smaller than 2012 in other languages. Descriptors: Thoracic surgery; Early ambulation; Physiotherapy modalities. Results:51 articles were found. With the established criteria, 06 articles were selected. The evaluated authors' studies have shown benefit for combined early ambulation therapy and exercise. Conclusions:The findings result in the minimization of changes in lung flow and volume, optimization of the mechanics of thoracoabdominal movement and increased range of motion of the respiratory muscles, facilitating lung re-expansion and improving lung function parameters (AU).

Introducción: A lo largo de la hospitalización, los pacientes pasan por un largo período de inmovilización en cama, acompañado de complicacionesy comorbilidades que pueden presentarse en el postoperatorio. La fisioterapia ayudará a prevenir los efectos de la inmovilidad en cama, además de mejorar la independencia funcional del paciente. Objetivo:Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, el objetivo de este estudio es analizar las repercusiones clínicas y funcionales de la rehabilitación temprana en pacientes sometidos a cirugía torácica.Metodología: Esta es una revisión sistemática. Criterios de inclusión: ensayos clínicos aleatorizados, artículos completos, en portugués, inglés y español, publicados entre 2012 y 2022. Criterios de exclusión: protocolos de ensayos, ensayos inconclusos, estudios menores a 2012 y otros idiomas. Descriptores: Cirugía torácica; Deambulación temprana; Modalidades de fisioterapia. Con sus respectivos términosen inglés.Resultados: Se encontraron 51 artículos. Fueron seleccionados 06 artículos, con los criterios establecidos. Los estudios de los autores evaluados han demostrado beneficios para la combinación de terapia de deambulación temprana y ejercicio.Conclusiones: Los hallazgos resultan en la minimización de alteraciones en el flujo y volumen pulmonar, optimización de la mecánica del movimiento toracoabdominal y aumento en el rango de movimiento de los músculos respiratorios, facilitando la reexpansión pulmonar y mejorando los parámetrosde la función pulmonar (AU).

Patient, surgical and hospital factors predicting actual first-day mobilisation after hip fracture surgery: An observational cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To examine patient, surgical and hospital factors associated with Day-1 postoperative mobility after hip fracture surgery in older adults. METHODS: A cohort study using Australia and New Zealand Hip Fracture Registry was conducted. Participants were aged older than 50 years and underwent hip fracture surgery between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2020 inclusive. The outcome was standing and step transferring out of bed onto a chair and/or walking Day-1 after hip fracture surgery. RESULTS: Mean age was 82 years and 68% were women. Of 12,318 patients with hip fracture, 5981 (49%) actually mobilised Day-1. Odds of actual first-day mobilisation were lower for individuals usually walking with either stick or crutch (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.62-0.82) or two aids or frame (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.52-0.64) or wheelchair/bed bound (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.17-0.33); who had impaired cognition preadmission (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.51-0.64); from aged care facilities (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.52-0.67); had an American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade 2 (OR = 0.63, 95% CI 0.41-0.97), 3 (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.20-0.47) or 4 or 5 (OR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.14-0.32); surgery delay >48 h (OR = 0.81, 95% CI 0.71-0.91); and restricted/non-weight-bearing status immediately postoperatively (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.42-0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Both non-modifiable and modifiable patient and surgical factors influence first-day mobilisation after hip fracture surgery. Reducing time to surgery might assist future quality improvement efforts to increase Day-1 postoperative mobility.

Retrospective Review of Outcomes Related to Early Therapy Intervention Following Application of Cultured Epidermal Autografts in Severely Burned Patients.

Cultured epidermal autografts (CEA) have since become more prevalent in the treatment of burn-injured patients with limited available donor sites for adequate wound closure, resulting in decreased mortality rates and an increased number of these patients requiring burn therapy services to achieve optimal functional outcomes at discharge. However, the use and postoperative management of CEA continues to be controversial due in large to the physiological fragility and expense of CEA, leading to variable postoperative treatment practices across burn centers. As such, minimal research is available regarding patient outcomes following CEA application, specifically related to burn therapy intervention. Thus, a retrospective chart review was conducted on a series of 10 patients, 18 years of age or older, admitted to a single, American Burn Association (ABA) verified burn center, between April 2015 and April 2023, who required CEA, and received pre- and postoperative treatment by burn therapists in accordance with center-specific burn rehabilitation guidelines. The resulting patient outcomes, in response to early implementation of therapy interventions post-CEA surgery, demonstrated optimal functional status for patients upon discharge, and positive long-term implications.

Early Mobilization Decision after an Acute Ischemic Stroke: Protocol for an Umbrella Review.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is considered one of the greatest public health challenges worldwide, with the ischemic subtype being the most prevalent. Various acute stroke clinical guidelines recommend early rehabilitation interventions, including very early mobilization. However, despite the studies conducted in recent years regarding when to initiate mobilization after an acute stroke, there are few systematic and personalized protocols based on the factors for which patient mobilization should ideally be performed. We aim to conduct an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses to study the early mobilization decision after an acute ischemic stroke in comparison with conventional care and correlate the different approaches with patient clinical outcomes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will perform a systematic search on PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos and Web of Science Core Collection databases. Retrieved studies will be independently reviewed by two authors and any discrepancies will be resolved by consensus or with a third reviewer. Reviewers will extract the data and assess the risk of bias in the selected studies. We will use the 16-item Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR2) checklist as the critical appraisal tool to assess cumulative evidence and risk of bias of the different studies. This will be the first umbrella review that compares early mobilization approaches in post-acute ischemic stroke. This study may help to define the optimal early mobilization strategy in stroke patients. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023430494.

Early ambulation protocol after diagnostic transfemoral cerebral angiography: an evidence-based practice project.

BACKGROUND: No uniform consensus has been achieved regarding the ambulation protocol after transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFA). Until now, in most hospitals patients are prescribed 8-12 h strict immobilization along with bed rest in the supine position after TFA in China, which causes great discomfort to patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of an evidence-based early ambulation protocol on the prevention of vascular complications and general discomfort in patients following transfemoral cerebral angiography (TFA). METHODS: A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted on 214 patients undergoing TFA with manual compression. Patients in the experimental group were placed supine position for 2 h with a sandbag placed on the wound dressing, followed by a semi-seated position for another 2 h. After this period, patients took 2 h bed rest (move freely) with the sandbag removed, and were allowed to get out of bed 6 h after TFA. Patients in the control group were restricted to an 8 h bed rest in a supine position with the affected leg straight and immobilized. The vascular complications (bleeding, hematoma, ecchymosis) and levels of comfort (low back pain, leg pain, and blood pressure) were evaluated after the procedure. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, systolic blood pressure (SBP); diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured hourly for 8 h after TFA. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the two groups with regard to vascular complications including bleeding events (P = 0.621), bleeding volume (P = 0.321), and area of hematoma (P = 0.156). The area of ecchymosis in the experimental group was significantly smaller than the control group (P = 0.031). Compared with the control group, the NRS score for low back pain in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th hour after TFA were significantly lower (P < 0.05), and the NRS score for leg pain in the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th hour after TFA were significantly lower (P < 0.05). The SBP and DBP in the 6th, 7th, and 8th hour after TFA were significantly lower than the control group (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The evidence-based early ambulation protocol can effectively and safely increase comfort and decrease the pain level for patients undergoing TFA, without change in the incidence of vascular complications.

Early ambulation impacts on quality-of-life outcomes positively after lower limb burn injury: A group trajectory analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the challenges of providing burn care throughout the 2.5MKm2 jurisdiction of Western Australia, early intervention after injury remains a key premise of the multidisciplinary model of care applied by the State Adult Burn Unit (SABU) team. In particular, contemporary guidelines support the facilitation of early ambulation after lower limb burn and skin grafting. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the association between the timing of ambulation after burn and surgery on quality of life (QoL) outcomes. METHODS: Data from 1707 lower limb burn patients aged ≥ 18, admitted to the SABU between February 2011- December 2019, were included. Self-reported QoL longitudinal outcomes were assessed using the Short Form 36 and Burn Specific Health Scale Brief. Three recovery trajectories were defined according to their QoL outcome responses, mapped out to one year. Early ambulation was defined as occurring within 48 h of acute burn or surgery, as per SABU routine practice. RESULTS: Early ambulation was shown to have a positive association to the higher QoL trajectory group (>75% of cohort), though not statistically significant for the Physical Component (PCS) and Mental health Component (MCS) summary scores of the SF36; however, ambulation pathway was associated with adjusted long-term BSHS-B QoL outcomes. The least favorable trajectory of long-term recovery of the physical aspects of QoL was seen in those with higher TBSA and complications and increasing age and comorbidities. In contrast, the mental health components of QoL were robust to all those factors, apart from pre-existing comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Early ambulation after lower limb burn, and surgery, was positively associated with early and long-term QoL outcomes. Recovery trajectory is strongly indicated by where the patient journey begins after early acute care. The optimal physical QoL recovery trajectory was shared by those who were younger with reduced TBSA; complications; and, comorbidities whereas the mental health QoL trajectories were only impacted by comorbidities.

The association between objectively measured preoperative light-intensity physical activity and postoperative ambulation in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

[Purpose] To clarify the association between preoperative physical activity and postoperative ambulation based on physical activity intensity, and independent of functional capacity and depression, in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. [Participants and Methods] Seventy patients who underwent surgery for primary colorectal or gastric cancer were enrolled. Preoperative moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity, light-intensity physical activity, and sedentary behavior were assessed using an accelerometer. The primary outcome was the days to postoperative first ambulation (capable of independently and continuously walking 150 m). Functional capacity and depression, as confounders, were evaluated by measuring the 6-minute walk distance and using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. [Results] Of the 70 patients, 28 had insufficient accelerometer data, and 42 were included in the analysis. Preoperative light-intensity physical activity, but not moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity and sedentary behavior, was negatively associated with the days to postoperative first ambulation, after adjusting for age, preoperative functional capacity, and preoperative depression. [Conclusion] Preoperative light-intensity physical activity was associated with the days to postoperative ambulation independently of age, functional capacity, and depression. Hence, predicting delayed ambulation by preoperative light-intensity physical activity in patients with gastrointestinal cancer may be useful.

Implementing early rehabilitation and mobilisation for children in UK paediatric intensive care units: the PERMIT feasibility study.

Background: Early rehabilitation and mobilisation encompass patient-tailored interventions, delivered within intensive care, but there are few studies in children and young people within paediatric intensive care units. Objectives: To explore how healthcare professionals currently practise early rehabilitation and mobilisation using qualitative and quantitative approaches; co-design the Paediatric Early Rehabilitation and Mobilisation during InTensive care manual of early rehabilitation and mobilisation interventions, with primary and secondary patient-centred outcomes; explore feasibility and acceptability of implementing the Paediatric Early Rehabilitation and Mobilisation during InTensive care manual within three paediatric intensive care units. Design: Mixed-methods feasibility with five interlinked studies (scoping review, survey, observational study, codesign workshops, feasibility study) in three phases. Setting: United Kingdom paediatric intensive care units. Participants: Children and young people aged 0-16 years remaining within paediatric intensive care on day 3, their parents/guardians and healthcare professionals. Interventions: In Phase 3, unit-wide implementation of manualised early rehabilitation and mobilisation. Main outcome measures: Phase 1 observational study: prevalence of any early rehabilitation and mobilisation on day 3. Phase 3 feasibility study: acceptability of early rehabilitation and mobilisation intervention; adverse events; acceptability of study design; acceptability of outcome measures. Data sources: Searched Excerpta Medica Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, PEDro, Open grey and Cochrane CENTRAL databases. Review methods: Narrative synthesis. Results: In the scoping review we identified 36 full-text reports evaluating rehabilitation initiated within 7 days of paediatric intensive care unit admission, outlining non-mobility and mobility early rehabilitation and mobilisation interventions from 24 to 72 hours and delivered twice daily. With the survey, 124/191 (65%) responded from 26/29 (90%) United Kingdom paediatric intensive care units; the majority considered early rehabilitation and mobilisation a priority. The observational study followed 169 patients from 15 units; prevalence of any early rehabilitation and mobilisation on day 3 was 95.3%. We then developed a manualised early rehabilitation and mobilisation intervention informed by current evidence, experience and theory. All three sites implemented the Paediatric Early Rehabilitation and Mobilisation during InTensive care manual successfully, recruited to target (30 patients recruited) and followed up the patients until day 30 or discharge; 21/30 parents consented to complete additional outcome measures. Limitations: The findings represent the views of National Health Service staff but may not be generalisable. We were unable to conduct workshops and interviews with children, young people and parents to support the Paediatric Early Rehabilitation and Mobilisation during InTensive care manual development due to pandemic restrictions. Conclusions: A randomised controlled trial is recommended to assess the effectiveness of the manualised early rehabilitation and mobilisation intervention. Future work: A definitive cluster randomised trial of early rehabilitation and mobilisation in paediatric intensive care requires selection of outcome measure and health economic evaluation. Study registration: The study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42019151050. The Phase 1 observational study is registered Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04110938 (Phase 1) (registered 1 October 2019) and the Phase 3 feasibility study is registered NCT04909762 (Phase 3) (registered 2 June 2021). Funding: This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 17/21/06) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 27. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Early rehabilitation and mobilisation, within the first week of intensive care admission, can improve the speed of recovery from illness or injury in adults. However, there is a lack of evidence about whether critically unwell children benefit from early rehabilitation and mobilisation. We aimed to identify which patients may benefit from early rehabilitation and mobilisation. Also, to develop and test a manual of early rehabilitation and mobilisation using the best evidence and expertise ­ called the Paediatric Early Rehabilitation and Mobilisation during InTensive care manual. Then evaluate whether the manual could be implemented safely in paediatric intensive care units and was acceptable to staff and families. We undertook in respect of early rehabilitation and mobilisation: review of existing research; national survey of practice (124 staff); gathered information about current conduct (15 paediatric intensive care units, 169 patients); spoke to experts (18 people); developed the Paediatric Early Rehabilitation and Mobilisation during InTensive care manual to guide paediatric intensive care unit staff; Tested the Paediatric Early Rehabilitation and Mobilisation during InTensive care manual in three paediatric intensive care units with 30 patients; gathered feedback from healthcare professionals via weekly 'debriefs' (47), interviews (13) and surveys (118), and from parents via parent-completed questionnaires (21) and interviews (14). Despite being regarded as important, currently early rehabilitation and mobilisation practice is inconsistent, not considered 'early' enough and often focuses on low-risk activities conducted on the bed. Introducing the Paediatric Early Rehabilitation and Mobilisation during InTensive care manual as part of a trial was acceptable and feasible and helps standardise delivery to unwell children. Measuring child and parent reported outcomes was acceptable but follow-up at 30 days was incomplete. A larger trial of early rehabilitation and mobilisation, involving more paediatric intensive care units, is feasible and required to demonstrate benefit to children.

Safety and benefit of ambulation within 24 hours in elderly patients undergoing lumbar fusion: propensity score matching study of 882 patients.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Elderly patients are less likely to recover from lumbar spine fusion (LSF) as rapidly compared with younger patients. However, there is still a lack of research on the effect of early ambulation on elderly patients undergoing LSF surgery for lumbar degenerative disorders. PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and benefit of ambulation within 24 hours in elderly patients who underwent LSF. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Consecutive patients (aged 65 and older) who underwent elective transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery for degenerative disorders from January 2019 to October 2022. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included postoperative complications, postoperative drainage (mL), laboratory test data, length of hospital stay [LOS], readmission and reoperation within 3 months. METHODS: Early ambulation patients (ambulation within 24 hours after surgery) were propensity-score matched 1:1 to a delayed ambulation patients (ambulation at a minimum of 48 hours postoperatively) based on age, intraoperative blood loss, and number of fused segments. The incidence of postoperative adverse events (AEs, including rates of complications, readmission, and prolonged LOS) and the average LOS were used to assess the safety and benefit of early ambulation, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to assess the association between early ambulation and postoperative AEs. The risk factors for delayed ambulation were also determined using multivariable logistic analyses. RESULTS: A total of 998 patients with LSF surgery were reviewed in this study. After excluding 116 patients for various reasons, 882 patients (<24 hours: N=350, 24-48 hours: N=230, and >48 hours: N= 302) were included in the final analysis. After matching, sex, BMI, preoperative comorbidities, laboratory test data and surgery-related variables were comparable between the groups. The incidence of postoperative AEs was significantly lower in the EA group (44.3% vs. 64.0%, p<.001). The average postoperative LOS of the EA group was 2 days shorter than the DA group (6.5 days vs. 8.5 days, p<.001). Patients in the EA group had a significantly lower rate of prolonged LOS compared with the DA group (35.1% vs. 55.3%, p<.001). There was no significant difference in postoperative drainage volumes between the two groups. Multivariable analysis identified older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, p<.001), increased intraoperative EBL (OR 1.002, p=.001), and higher international normalization ratio (OR 10.57, p=.032) as significant independent risk factors for delayed ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Ambulation within 24 hours after LSF surgery is independently associated fewer AEs and shorter hospital stays in elderly patients. Implementing the goal of ambulation within 24 hours after LSF surgery into enhanced recovery after surgery protocols for elderly patients seems appropriate. Older age, increased intraoperative blood loss and worse coagulation function are associated with delayed ambulation.

Evolución de la funcionalidad y la fuerza muscular desde cuidado intensivo a hospitalización en sobrevivientes por COVID-19 / Evolution of functionality and muscle strength from intensive care to hospitalization in survivors of COVID-19

Introducción El paciente crítico hospitalizado en cuidado intensivo (UCI) tiene más riesgo de deterioro en la función física. Una forma de contrarrestarlo está relacionada con la intervención temprana de fisioterapia, pero son escasos los reportes en pacientes con enfermedad severa por COVID-19. Objetivo Describir el compromiso y cambio en la funcionalidad y en la fuerza muscular en pacientes con COVID-19 que recibieron intervención temprana de fisioterapia en UCI hasta el alta hospitalaria, y comparar la evolución de acuerdo con si recibieron ventilación mecánica invasiva o no. Metodología Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes con COVID-19 que ingresaron a UCI entre marzo y septiembre del 2020 y recibieron intervención de fisioterapia. La funcionalidad se evaluó con el índice Barthel (IB) y la fuerza muscular con el Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC-SS), los cuales fueron medidos por el fisioterapeuta de turno en dos momentos, al egreso de UCI y de hospitalización. Se consideró el valor p < 0,05 como significativo. Resultados Se revisaron 66 registros; la edad promedio fue de 53,3 (32 ± 11,5) años; 32 (48,5%) requirieron ventilación mecánica. Se observó compromiso en la funcionalidad y en la fuerza muscular, con mejoría progresiva antes del egreso hospitalario: IB [64,1 (± 34,7) vs. 87,7 (± 18,4) p = 0,000], MRC-SS [40,5 (± 11) vs. 48 (± 9) p = 0,000]. El grupo de pacientes ventilados presentó mayor compromiso IB [34,2 (± 24,7) vs. 76,7 (± 21,2) p = 0,000] y MRC-SS [31,5 (± 7,2) vs. 42,3 (± 8,3) p = 0,000]. Los días de ventilación mecánica, de relajación, y mayor APACHE II mostraron una correlación negativa significativa con las variables de resultado (p = 0,000). Conclusiones Los pacientes con enfermedad severa por COVID-19 que recibieron intervención de fisioterapia mostraron cambios significativos en la funcionalidad y en la fuerza muscular. Los pacientes que requirieron ventilación mecánica presentaron mayor compromiso funcional (AU)

Introduction The critically ill patient hospitalized in intensive care unit (ICU), has a higher risk of deterioration in physical function. One way to counteract its related to early physiotherapy intervention, but there are few reports in patients with severe disease from COVID-19. Objective To describe the compromise and change in functionality and muscle strength in patients with COVID-19 who received early physiotherapy intervention in ICU until hospital discharge and compare the evolution according to whether or not they received invasive mechanical ventilation. Methodology Retrospective study of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU between March and September 2020 and received physiotherapy intervention. Functionality was assessed with the Barthel Index (BI) and muscle strength with the Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC-SS), which were measured by the physiotherapist at two moments, upon discharge from ICU and from hospitalization. For the correlations, a value P<.05 was considered significant. Results Sixty-six records were reviewed; the mean age was 53.3 (32±11.5) years; 32 (48.5%) required mechanical ventilation. Compromise in functionality and muscle strength was observed, with progressive improvement before hospital discharge: IB [64.1 (± 34.7) vs. 87.7 (± 18.4), P = .000], MRC-SS [40.5 (± 11) vs. 48 (± 9), P = .000]. The group of ventilated patients presented greater compromise: IB [34.2 (± 24.7) vs. 76.7 (± 21.2), P = .000] and MRC-SS [31.5 (± 7.2) vs. 42.3 (± 8.3), P = .000]. The days of mechanical ventilation, relaxation, and higher APACHE II showed a significant negative correlation with the outcome variables (P = .000). Conclusions Patients with severe disease from COVID-19 who received physiotherapy intervention, showed significant changes in functionality and muscle strength. The patients who required mechanical ventilation presented greater functional compromise (AU)

Early mobilisation in critically ill COVID-19 patients: a subanalysis of the ESICM-initiated UNITE-COVID observational study.

BACKGROUND: Early mobilisation (EM) is an intervention that may improve the outcome of critically ill patients. There is limited data on EM in COVID-19 patients and its use during the first pandemic wave. METHODS: This is a pre-planned subanalysis of the ESICM UNITE-COVID, an international multicenter observational study involving critically ill COVID-19 patients in the ICU between February 15th and May 15th, 2020. We analysed variables associated with the initiation of EM (within 72 h of ICU admission) and explored the impact of EM on mortality, ICU and hospital length of stay, as well as discharge location. Statistical analyses were done using (generalised) linear mixed-effect models and ANOVAs. RESULTS: Mobilisation data from 4190 patients from 280 ICUs in 45 countries were analysed. 1114 (26.6%) of these patients received mobilisation within 72 h after ICU admission; 3076 (73.4%) did not. In our analysis of factors associated with EM, mechanical ventilation at admission (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.25, 0.35; p = 0.001), higher age (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.98, 1.00; p ≤ 0.001), pre-existing asthma (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.73, 0.98; p = 0.028), and pre-existing kidney disease (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71, 0.99; p = 0.036) were negatively associated with the initiation of EM. EM was associated with a higher chance of being discharged home (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.08, 1.58; p = 0.007) but was not associated with length of stay in ICU (adj. difference 0.91 days; 95% CI - 0.47, 1.37, p = 0.34) and hospital (adj. difference 1.4 days; 95% CI - 0.62, 2.35, p = 0.24) or mortality (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.7, 1.09, p = 0.24) when adjusted for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate that a quarter of COVID-19 patients received EM. There was no association found between EM in COVID-19 patients' ICU and hospital length of stay or mortality. However, EM in COVID-19 patients was associated with increased odds of being discharged home rather than to a care facility. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04836065 (retrospectively registered April 8th 2021).

The effect of bed exercises following major abdominal surgery on early ambulation, mobilization, pain and anxiety: A randomized-controlled trial.

This randomized-controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of bed exercises on postoperative anxiety, pain, early ambulation and mobilization. This study was conducted with a randomized-controlled trial design and in the general surgical clinic of a research and training hospital. A total of 120 patients (60 in the experimental group and 60 in the control group) scheduled for major abdominal surgery took part in the study. The data were collected using a patient information form, the Anxiety Specific to Surgery Questionnaire and the Visual Analog Scale through face-to-face interviews. The patients in the experimental group performed 15-min bed exercises on the day of their operation, as well as on the postoperative first and second days, and the control group underwent only the routinely performed procedures in the clinic. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance and t-tests. The sample of our study included major abdominal surgery patients. Ambulation was achieved at a mean time of 4 h earlier in the experimental group. On the postoperative first and second days, the patients in the experimental group had mean mobilization durations that were approximately 2 h longer compared with the patients in the control group. Moreover, the postoperative pain and anxiety levels of the patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the patients in the control group (p < 0.05). We recommend that bed exercises be performed to lower anxiety and pain severity, achieve early ambulation and increase the duration of mobilization among patients following major abdominal surgery.