Early mobilization is an accelerator for the recovery of long-term bedridden critically ill patients

Author: Qin Yi Air Force 986th Hospital

Reviewer: Wang Yongxing, deputy chief physician, 986th Air Force Hospital

The intensive care unit in the hospital is the front line of the battle between life and death. Here, every patient is racing against time and fighting against the disease. Patients who temporarily win will be transferred to the general ward, but they usually have to stay in bed for a long time. Long-term bed rest can lead to many complications. Today, let's talk about how to get long-term bedridden patients transferred out of the intensive care unit to move, and help them recover faster and better through early activities.

1. Stillness and movement: a silent contest

Staying in bed for a long time is a last resort for patients who have just been transferred from the intensive care unit to the general ward. The patient lies quietly on the bed, surrounded by the sound of various medical instruments. In this long period of relative silence, the risk of a series of complications such as deep vein thrombosis and lung infection gradually increases. These complications not only prolong the patient's hospitalization time and increase the difficulty of treatment, but may also seriously affect the patient's recovery process and quality of life.

The power of early mobilization: prevention is better than cure

In the face of these potential risks, the medical community has gradually realized the importance of early mobilization. Early mobilization means starting physical activities and breathing training as soon as possible when the patient's condition allows. This seemingly simple measure actually contains tremendous rehabilitation power.

1. Promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis

Blood circulation is the basis for maintaining life activities. Through simple limb activities, such as turning over and lifting legs, blood circulation in the lower limbs can be effectively promoted, blood congestion can be reduced, and the risk of deep vein thrombosis can be reduced. This is not only a kind of protection for the body, but also clears the obstacles for the subsequent recovery.

2. Prevent lung infection and protect respiratory health

Lung infection is one of the common complications of long-term bedridden critically ill patients. Through breathing training, such as deep breathing and coughing, the strength of respiratory muscles can be enhanced, and sputum in the lungs can be promoted to be discharged, thereby effectively preventing the occurrence of lung infection. This not only alleviates the pain of patients, but also reduces treatment costs and improves recovery efficiency.

Figure 1 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

3. Improve the quality of life and accelerate the recovery process

Early activity is not only to prevent complications, but more importantly, it can improve the patient's quality of life and accelerate the recovery process. As the amount of activity gradually increases, the patient's mental state will improve and self-confidence will also be enhanced. This positive psychological change will further stimulate the patient's recovery potential and form a virtuous circle.

Figure 2 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

3. Take action: from simple to complex, step by step

However, it should be noted that early activities are not something that can be done overnight. For patients who have just been transferred out of the intensive care unit, their physical condition is often weak and they need to be carried out under the guidance of medical staff. Therefore, when formulating an activity plan, the patient's condition and physical condition must be fully considered, and the principle of starting from simple to complex and proceeding step by step must be followed.

1. Initial stage: mainly bed activities

When the condition is stable, the patient can start with simple bed activities, such as turning over, lifting legs, clenching fists, etc. Although these activities are simple, they play an important role in promoting blood circulation and preventing muscle atrophy.

Figure 3 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

2. Mid-term stage: gradually increase the time of sitting and standing

As the condition improves and physical strength recovers, patients can gradually try more complex activities such as sitting up and standing. During this process, medical staff need to pay close attention to the patient's changes to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the activities.

3. Later stage: Gradually transition to rehabilitation training

When the patient's physical condition allows, they can gradually transition to more systematic rehabilitation training, which aims to help patients regain their ability to live, improve their self-care ability, and prepare for returning to society.

Figure 4 Copyright image, no permission to reprint

4. Doctors and patients work together to build a road to recovery

The successful implementation of early activities is inseparable from the careful guidance of medical staff and the active cooperation of patients. In this process, medical staff need to constantly evaluate the changes in the patient's condition, adjust the activity plan, and ensure the safety and effectiveness of the activities. At the same time, patients also need to build confidence, actively participate in activities, and work together with medical staff to welcome the arrival of recovery.

Let early activities become an "accelerator" for the recovery of long-term bedridden critically ill patients, helping them to embrace a better life again as soon as possible.