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Saudi Journal of Nursing and Health Care (SJNHC)
Volume-9 | Issue-06 | 125-135
Original Research Article
The Perceived Barriers to Early Mobilization among Healthcare Providers in Critical Care Units
Reem Nassir Alghadhban
Published : June 6, 2026
DOI : https://doi.org/10.36348/sjnhc.2026.v09i06.002
Abstract
Background: Early mobilization (EM) is an evidence-based approach that promotes physical activity in critically ill patients in intensive care units, though its implementation remains challenging. Aims: To examine the perceived barriers to EM and assess differences according to clinical role, unit type, and years of experience among healthcare providers in critical care units. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional, survey-based design was used. Using convenience sampling, 376 healthcare providers were recruited from critical care units across Saudi Arabia. Data were collected via the validated Patient Mobilization Attitudes and Beliefs Survey for Intensive Care Unit (PMABS-ICU). Descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for analysis. Results: Participants were 39.1% male and 60% female. Respiratory therapists reported the highest overall perceived barriers (M = 40.4, SD = 7.4), followed by nurses (M = 38.5, SD = 9.3), physicians (M = 36.1, SD = 8.1), and physical/occupational therapists (M = 33.7, SD = 8.1); (p = 0.001). Attitude-related barriers had the highest mean score (M = 39.6, SD = 11.7), followed by knowledge (M = 37.7, SD = 16.8) and behavior (M = 37.3, SD = 9.5). Significant associations were observed between barriers and clinical role (p = 0.001), unit type (p < 0.001), and years of experience (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Findings highlight that attitude-related barriers were the highest among healthcare providers. Therefore, targeted training programs are essential to strengthen healthcare providers' confidence and competence in implementing safe mobilization practices for critically ill patients.
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