BARRIERS TO EARLY MOBILIZATION IN CRITICAL CARE SETTINGS - A PERCEPTION BASED SURVEY AMONG PHYSICAL THERAPIST

BACKGROUND AND AIM Early mobilization practices in critical care settings are safe, efficacious and evidently proven treatment to reduce morbidity as well as mortality. Inactivity adversely affects pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. Despite of widely available evidences, barriers to early mobilization still exist in critical care settings. Hence the present study aims to identify the barriers related to early mobilization perceived by physiotherapist in critical care settings. METHOD A cross-sectional survey among 99 physiotherapists working in a critical care setting of different tertiary care hospitals of Karachi, Pakistan was conducted in which a self-administered questionnaire related to perceived barriers for early mobilization was introduced. RESULTS The descriptive statistics revealed that 87% of physician requisition is required for mobilization, 74% response rate was received by PT for unawareness to identify the suitable patient for early mobilization, and 68% showed lack of staffing resources. 56% response rate was received regarding requirement of adequate training to facilitate early mobilization. Moreover, lack of decision making and safety concerns were 68% respectively.