Multidisciplinary team perceptions about the implementation and safety of early mobilization for newborns in post-operative care

BACKGROUND: Early mobilization can be a therapeutic intervention that can prevent long-term consequences from prolonged bed rest in post-operative newborns. OBJECTIVE: Describe the knowledge of the healthcare professionals in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) about early mobilization and its safety for post-operative infants. METHODS: This research is an analytical descriptive cross-sectional study with mixed methods, performed by analyzing a questionnaire given to NICU health professionals. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 31 professionals, of which 64.5% affirm that they know what early mobilization means, most of whom defined the intervention in terms of motor activity, 83% believe it is beneficial, 77.4% consider early mobilization safe. However, 90% of the professionals showed concerns for possible adverse events, the most cited being device dislodgment and hemodynamic decompensation. The majority stated that early mobilization should be avoided when concerned about hemodynamic instability or the type of surgery. Approximately 71% affirm that they did not receive educational training for implementing early mobilization. CONCLUSION: This study showed the need for more training and education about early mobilization for professionals and the establishment of evidence-based institutional protocols.