Objective:

To review current early mobilization (EM) practices in a single-center neurotrauma intensive care unit (NTICU) and explore perceived barriers to EM implementation.

Approach:

Key Findings:

• EM was achieved in 149 out of 253 patients (58.9%) in the NTICU.
• An additional 76 patients (30.0%) were mobilized on the ward after discharge from NTICU.
• Primary barriers to EM included sedation (38.4%) and the need for acute medical care (33.9%).
• Logistical issues, particularly insufficient staffing, were barriers in 15.4% of assessments.

Interpretation:

This service evaluation is the first report of perceived barriers to EM in a UK-based NTICU.

Limitations:

• The study was limited to a single-center evaluation.
• The EM protocol was not specific to neurotrauma populations.

Conclusion:

Further research is needed to evaluate the safety and impact of NTICU-specific EM protocols.

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