Does the Sara Combilizer®, an Early Mobilization Aid, Reduce the Time Taken to First Mobilise Ventilated Patients in Intensive Care?

Early mobility within the ICU is associated with a number of positive outcomes including reductions in ICU and hospital length of stay and better functional recovery. The exact definition of 'early' mobility is still not defined, with the actual ability to mobilize limited by a number of perceived factors.

The Sara Combilizer is a combined tilt table and stretcher chair, which allows passive transfer of patients out of bed. It is theorized the passive and safe nature of transfer may facilitate earlier mobilisation of patients within critical care. This study aimed to assess whether the introduction of the Sara Combilizer reduced time taken to first mobilize for patients mechanically ventilated for at least 5 days and at risk of ICU acquired weakness.

Patients admitted to a large UK critical care unit during the trial period and ventilated for ≥ 5 days were included in the study. Baseline data was collected prospectively for a period of 4 months. The Sara Combilizer was then introduced for a 1 month training and familiarization period, followed by a further 4 months prospective data collection.

Inclusion criteria

• All adult patients (>18 years) admitted to critical care and ventilated for 5 days or more

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with contraindications to mobilise (e.g. pelvic / spinal fractures)
• Poor prior level of mobility (<10yards)
• Neuromuscular disease (e.g. Guillain Barre or Motor Neurone Disease)
• Mechanical ventilation > 48 hours at another facility prior to admission
• Expected withdrawal of treatment within 24 next hours
• Patients who have already commenced mobilisation in the 1st 5 days of admission
• Obese patients who exceed the weight limit of the product (200 kg)
• Patients over 6ft5 due to restrictions of the product
• Severe neurological injury
• Lower limb amputations