Aim: Early mobilization (EM) improves critical illness survivors' clinical outcomes. This study examines ICU quasi-specialty nurses' EM-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP).
Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a provincial ICU specialty nurse training site from 2019 to 2021. KAP data were collected using a self-report questionnaire.
Methods: Participants were registered nurses enrolled in the training programme; 485 nurses from 188 hospitals completed the questionnaire.
Results: Of the participants, 37.7% had EM training, and 30.7% reported their wards performed EM. Median (IQR) scores for knowledge, attitudes and practices were 14.0 (4.0), 47.0 (9.0) and 37.0 (8.0), belonging to medium, high and medium levels. Scores were lowest for EM scope, implementation indicators and out-of-bed mobilization. There were significant deviations in KAP scores amongst nurses at different levels of hospitals with EM training and whose departments performed EM. Significant positive correlations between knowledge and practice, and attitude and practice were identified.
Keywords: attitude; early mobilization; knowledge; practice; specialty nurse.
© 2022 The Authors. Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.