Early Mobilisation Practices among Intensive Care Unit Nurses: A scoping review of influencing factors

Sabrina Kamarozaman; Zamzaliza A Mulud; Norfidah Mohamad; Rukayya Zubair Abubakar

doi:10.21834/e-bpj.v10i34.7349

Authors

Sabrina Kamarozaman Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia; Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Jalan Langat 41200 Klang, Selangor, Malaysia
Zamzaliza A Mulud Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara
Norfidah Mohamad Centre for Nursing Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Teknologi Mara
Rukayya Zubair Abubakar College of Nursing and Midwifery Kano, School of Nursing Madobi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21834/e-bpj.v10i34.7349

Keywords:

Early ambulation, intensive care unit, critical care

Abstract

Background: Early mobilisation in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) is associated with reduced complications, shorter stays, and improved recovery; yet its implementation remains inconsistent worldwide. Aim: To explore factors influencing ICU nurses’ early mobilisation practices. Objectives: To synthesise existing evidence and identify gaps requiring research and policy improvement. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and ScienceDirect for studies published between 2015 and 2025; 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings: Key factors were nurses’ knowledge, training, staffing ratios, protocols, interdisciplinary collaboration, and organisational culture, with notable gaps and unclear role definitions identified.

Keywords: Early ambulation, intensive care unit, critical care

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