Patient and Family Perspectives on Early Mobilization in Acute Cardiac Care

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence indicates that engaging family members in early mobilization may benefit both patients and family members. However, little is known about the effect of patient and family-member experience and perspectives on mobilization in acute cardiac care. Our goal was to assess the perspectives and experience of patients and their family members regarding early mobilization in acute cardiac care, to better understand patient-related barriers to mobilization and assist in the development of mobilization strategies that increase family-member engagement in care. METHODS: Patient and family-member surveys were developed to assess attitudes and knowledge about mobilization, family-members’ roles in providing care, and mobilization care the patients received. Surveys were distributed to patients and their family members over a 4-month period. RESULTS: A total of 101 participants completed the survey (patients, n = 78; family members, n = 23). Most patients (n = 54; 69.2%) agreed or strongly agreed that early mobilization should be routinely performed. Of 72 patients who underwent early mobilization, 60 (83.3%) felt that mobilization helped their recovery. The majority of family members were interested in being involved with mobilization (n = 19; 82.6%). One quarter of family members felt that mobilizing their relatives too soon after admission was potentially dangerous (n = 6; 26.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients wish to be mobilized early after admission, and family members want to participate in mobilization efforts. These findings should inform efforts to overcome patient- and family-related barriers to mobilization.