Early Mobility in the ICU: Overview, the Evidence, and the Practice

Course overview

Therapists are often challenged when presented with complex ICU patients. These patients may have cardiovascular and/or pulmonary complications or dysfunction, as well as other medical conditions. They may also have many lines or tubes. This course provides therapists with the evidence of the difficulties associated with early mobilization of these patients, as well as the evidence in favor of early mobility. The evidence-based outcomes and benefits of early mobility will be discussed, along with the barriers to achieving early mobility. An overview of the process for initiating an early mobility program will be presented and helpful resources suggested. The types of patients most effected and the knowledge and skills that the PTs will most need will be presented, along with various interventions that may be utilized.