What question did this study set out to answer?

To evaluate the effects of early mobilization for patients recovering from cardiac surgery in critical care settings.

February 6, 2026

The cardiac surgery patients in critical care: findings from an early mobilization

Key Points

To evaluate the effects of early mobilization for patients recovering from cardiac surgery in critical care settings.
Conducted a twelve-month prospective quality improvement project in a cardiac vascular surgery ICU.
Utilized decision matrix analysis and multidisciplinary care to optimize the mobilization process.
Implemented bedside early mobilization training for nurses led by physiotherapists.
Developed care guides and educational sessions to support and facilitate early mobilization.
Exercise tolerance (3.0 METs) achievement increased from 46.5% to 93.0%.
Blood oxygen saturation improved from 90-93% to 97-100%.
Average length of ICU stay reduced from 8.8 days to 5.8 days.
Medical costs decreased by approximately USD 380 per patient.

Abstract

Abstract Background the patients post open heart should receive mobilization as early as possible during intensive care unit, it can promote daily life function. Low physical fitness often leads to weakness and atelectasis, even effects to delay ventilation weaning and length of stays. Purpose (1)To explore the finding from an early mobilization in critical care patient with cardiac surgery. (2) increase the frequency of early mobilization and treatments to improve cardiac surgery patients’ functional mobility, and evaluate the effects. Method twelve-month prospective before/after quality improvement project in cardiac vascular surgery intensive care unit (CVSICU) in Taiwan hospital. Through the decision matrix analysis and multidisciplinary care to re-adjust the care process, the early mobilization combined care plan was implemented. The following strategies were used: (1) The physiotherapist teaches the nurse how to perform the bedside early mobilization program; (2) Establish the "postoperative early mobilization program care guide delivery schedule" for critical caring use; (3) purchase relevant equipment to facilitate the nurses in assisting early mobilization program; (4) hold education courses and group education activities monthly Results From Jane to August 2024, 71 open-heart surgery patients received post-operative early mobilization combined care. The results showed (1) The achievement rate of 3.0METs exercise tolerance increased from 46.5% to 93.0%; (2) The patient's blood oxygen saturation at room air improved from 90~93% to 97~100%; (3) The average length of ICU stay decreased from 8.8 days to 5.8 days, and reduced medical cost approximately USD 380 for each patient. Conclusions Post-operative early mobilization combined care can significantly improve the clinical outcomes of cardiac surgery patients in our hospital during the post-operative ICU care, reduce the medical expense, improve the quality of care, physiological indicators.

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