Early mobilisation in mechanical ventilation: a grounded theory study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patients' and Staff Experiences of Early Mobilisation during the Course of Mechanical Ventilation in an Intensive Care Unit: a Grounded Theory Study
IRAS ID
228286
Contact name
Catherine Clarissa
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 9 days
Research summary
A mechanical ventilator is a breathing machine used by critically ill patients who have difficulties to breathe on their own. This support is called mechanical ventilation. Despite its importance, mechanically ventilated patients are prone to muscle weakness. This weakness develops rapidly, often within the first hours of mechanical ventilation. Importantly, muscle weakness is known to prolong the recovery process, persisting for an extended time, which further compromises the quality of life of patients after intensive care.
Research has shown that patient outcomes are improved and the hospital stay is shortened if patients start doing physical exercise while they are still mechanically ventilated. This exercise is called early mobilisation and some examples are: sitting on the edge of the bed, sitting in a chair, standing or walking. However, little is known about the experiences of patients and staff about early mobilisation in mechanical ventilation. Therefore, this research aims to understand and explore the processes and experiences of patients and staff relating to the early mobilisation of mechanically ventilated patients in an intensive care unit.
The researcher plans to conduct the study in three intensive care units within NHS Lothian that implement early mobilisation with mechanically ventilated patients. Data will be collected from observations, interviews with patients and staff and focus groups with staff from different healthcare professions. Adult patients who had been involved in any early mobilisation activities while being mechanically ventilated, and staff who have been involved in the processes, will be recruited to participate. Data collection is expected to take up to 15 months throughout the three study settings.
Middle range theory generated from this study, and insight into the experiences of patients and staff with early mobilisation in mechanically ventilated patients, may be useful to improve the quality of care, to inform policy and to develop further research.
REC name
Scotland A: Adults with Incapacity only
REC reference
17/SS/0129
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion