The experiences of cardiac surgery critical care clinicians with in-bed cycling in adult patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery

PURPOSE: In-bed cycling is a novel modality that permits the early initiation of rehabilitation in the intensive care unit. We explored clinicians' experiences and perceptions of in-bed cycling with critically ill cardiac surgery patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used an interpretive description methodology. All critical care clinicians who had been present for at least 2 cycling sessions were eligible. Data were collected using semi-structured, audio-recorded, face-to-face interviews transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was used to identify themes. RESULTS: Nine clinicians were interviewed. Our sample was predominantly female (77.8%) with a median [IQR] age of 40 [21.5] years. Critical care experience ranged from <5 years to ≥30 years. Acceptability was influenced by previous cycling experiences, identifying the "ideal" patient, and the timing of cycling within a patient's recovery. Facilitators included striving towards a common goal and feeling confident in the method. Barriers included inadequate staffing, bike size, and the time to deliver cycling. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians supported the use of in-bed cycling. Concerns included appropriate patient selection and timing of the intervention. Teamwork was integral to successful cycling. Strategies to overcome the identified barriers may assist with successful cycling implementation in other critical care environments.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIn-bed cycling is a relatively novel rehabilitation modality that can help initiate physical rehabilitation earlier in a patient's recovery and reduce the iatrogenic effects of prolonged admissions to an intensive care unit.Clinicians found in-bed cycling to be an acceptable intervention with a population of critically ill cardiac surgery patients.Teamwork and interprofessional communication are important considerations for successful uptake of a relatively new rehabilitation modality.Identified barriers to in-bed cycling can assist with developing strategies to encourage cycling uptake in similar critical care environments.