Challenges experienced by cardiac intensive care nurses during first out-of-bed patient mobilization after open-heart surgery: A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the potential challenges experienced by cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) nurses in the first out-of- bed patient mobilization after open-heart surgery and propose solutions. Design: A qualitative study design using the descriptive phenomenological approach. Methods: Individual face-to- face interviews were conducted via a widely used videoconferencing program between 28 July and 22 October 2022, in the tertiary cardiac ICU of a university hospital. Nurses who had at least 1 year of cardiac ICU experience and actively participating in patient care were included. The COREQ criteria and checklist were followed in this investigation and the data were analysed by using the ATLAS.ti 8.0. Findings: Nurses reported that they experience challenges when mobilizing patients, such as patients' fear, reluctance or resistance; nurses having insufficient experience, strength or lack of team members. Despite these challenges, they highlighted some positive outcomes of mobilization, such as feeling happy, reinforced team communication and nurse–patient relationship. The nurses also suggested some facilitators, such as patient motivation and an explanation of the process. Conclusion: Nurses experience various patient-related and nurse-related challenges during the first out-of- bed mobilization of the patient after open-heart surgery. It is recommended that healthcare institutions should implement effective strategies to address the staffing shortages and to support nurse motivation to ensure adequate nursing care. Impact: This study provides valuable insights into the existing literature by examining the potential challenges and strategies of the first out-of- bed patient mobilization in the cardiac ICU. It shows that patient education and organizational adaptations are effective ways to overcome the challenges. It also suggests that motivating and informing patients before the mobilization can make the process easier. Moreover, it reveals that successful patient mobilization makes nurses happy, improves team communication and strengthens nurse–patient relationship. Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement: No patient or public contribution.