PERCEIVED BARRIERS TO EARLY MOBILIZATION OF ELDERLY PATIENTS ADMITTED TO AN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT IN THE POSTOPERATIVE PERIOD OF SURGERIES

Abstract

This study aimed to identify barriers faced by physiotherapists in implementing early mobilization protocols in elderly patients admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) during the postoperative period of elective surgeries. This is a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective study based on medical record analysis conducted between February 2023 and February 2024. A total of 203 patients aged ≥60 years were included, with a predominance of males (54.19%) and a mean length of stay of 6.4 days. Patient mobility was assessed daily using the Intensive Care Unit Mobility Score (IMS). The main barriers identified were bed rest orders (38.68%) and sedation (15.89%). Functional improvement was observed, with 49.26% of patients reaching IMS level 3 within an average of 5.5 days. The mortality rate was 4.43%, and hypotension and hypertension were the most frequent adverse events. Differences in recovery time were observed according to the type of surgery. It is concluded that clinical and institutional barriers negatively impact early mobilization, contributing to prolonged immobility and associated complications. The IMS proved to be an effective tool for functional assessment, highlighting the importance of structured interprofessional strategies to optimize rehabilitation in ICUs with a high prevalence of elderly patients.