An interprofessional team approach to early mobilisation of critically Ill adults: An integrative review

Early mobilisation is beneficial to minimise complications and promote the recovery and physical function of critically ill adult patients. An interprofessional team approach may assist in early mobilisation of these patients; however, adopting this approach may be challenging and optimal strategies to support early mobilisation are unknown. Understanding specific implementation strategies is required to effectively support its implementation in the critically ill adult patient population. To synthesise and critically analyse the literature on interprofessional team approaches to early mobilisation in critically ill adult patients. An integrative review The methodology of this integrative review was guided by Whittemore and Knafl's approach. A literature search of online databases including Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Excerpta Medica database, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and PubMed was conducted on 13 April 2020 and updated on 2 August 2021. No date limits were applied. Backward citation searching of included articles was used to identify additional articles. Articles were screened by title and abstract following pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then by full text using the same criteria. Data describing an interprofessional team approach to early mobilisation were extracted into a specifically designed form. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the Quality Improvement Minimum Quality Criteria Set for quality improvement studies and the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tools was used for cohort studies, retrospective studies, and randomised controlled trials. A narrative synthesis was conducted to integrate and summarise the findings. Thirty-seven studies were included. All studies described team compositions, roles, and responsibilities. Multiple strategies were used to support the implementation of a team approach to early mobilisation, most of which included the use of instruction tools, team meetings/team rounds, staff education, and knowledge sharing, and safety criteria. Improving patient's readiness to perform early mobilisation using clinical interventions was also described in 17 studies. Crucial factors that can help or hinder the implementation of an interprofessional team approach to early mobilisation were identified including organisational structure, staff attitudes and staff abilities. An interprofessional team approach to early mobilisation may be a useful strategy to improve early mobilisation practice; however, team compositions, roles, and responsibilities to support its implementation in individual setting is recommended. Multiple strategies and clinical interventions should be used to overcome barriers for implementing an interprofessional team approach to early mobilisation in critically ill adult patients. Registration number: This review was registered into PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic review (CRD42020179943). Use of an interprofessional team approach to improve early mobilisation practice in adult critically ill patients.