Abstract:
abstract
Background: Early mobilization is a complex intervention that requires careful patient
assessment and management, as well as interdisciplinary team cooperation and training. It is
known to improve overall patient outcomes, but little is known regarding the attitude and
knowledge of clinicians. Previous research has demonstrated that challenges in the
implementation of mobilization within critical care were staffing knowledge and attitudes.
Objective: Aim of this study was to assess knowledge and attitude level of clinicians towards
early mobilization of adult patients in intensive care unit and associated factors at tertiary
hospitals in Northwest Ethiopia, 2022.
Methods: A multi-center cross sectional study was conducted at tertiary hospitals in
Northwest Ethiopia from April 02 to June 20. The data was collected using self-administered
structured questionnaires. The data was presented using table, figure and graphs. Ordinal
logistic regression analysis was performed at P < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval to
identify statistically significant variables. The adjusted odds ratio and crud odds ratio were
used as a measure of association. Informed consent was obtained from each study participant.
Results: The overall proportion of poor, fair, and good level knowledge towards early
mobilization in ICU among clinicians were 16.8% (CI=12.8-21.4), 57.9% (CI=52.6-63.5),
and 25.3% (CI=20.4-30.6) respectively. Furthermore, the overall proportion of negative, fair,
and positive level of attitude were 16.4% (CI=12.5-20.7), 60.2% (CI=54.3-66.1) and 23.4%
(CI=19.1-28.6) respectively. Being physiotherapist (AOR=2.9 CI=1.2-6.7), total work
experience>5year (AOR=4.6 CI=1.7-12.1), ICU work experience>5year (AOR=2.8 CI=1.1-
6.8), received training (AOR=1.8 CI=1.1-3.0), and having reading guidelines (AOR=1.9
CI=1.1-3.2) were associated with a higher level of knowledge. Similarly, received training
(AOR=1.9 CI=1.2-3.1), received early mobilized course (AOR=1.8 CI=1.1-3.0) and having
good level of knowledge (AOR=2.6 CI=1.2-5.8) were associated with higher level of attitude.
Conclusion: Although majority of study participants has fair knowledge and attitude level
towards early mobilization in ICU, there are still participants having poor knowledge and
negative attitudes. So, we recommend training on the use of the early mobilisation protocol to
all clinicians and, more experienced clinicians and physiotherapist to involve in early
mobilization in ICU. We suggest the development and implementation of local guidelines.
Keyword: attitude, clinicians’ early mobilization, Intensive Care Unit, knowledg