Early Mobilization Program

Children’s Health is one of the only pediatric hospitals in the U.S. that offers early mobilization for critically ill patients to improve their long-term health and minimize time spent in the ICU.

Early mobilization brings patients out of sedation to begin physical therapy as soon as possible after a major medical event like surgery, injury or illness. Research shows that many children who receive early mobilization spend less time in the ICU and have better long-term physical and cognitive outcomes.

At Children’s Health^SM, we evaluate each child within 48 hours after their major medical event to see if they are ready to begin early mobilization therapy.

Through our early mobilization program, we can minimize the side effects of medications and increase a child’s cognitive engagement with their family and caregivers. As patients spend more time alert and out of sedation, we slowly introduce physical exercises and communication activities. We gradually increase the difficulty as the child grows stronger. The combination of our highly trained specialists and state-of-the-art pediatric rehabilitation equipment allows us to customize each child’s rehabilitation plan.

Experts from our intensive care and rehabilitation medicine teams work together to lead in-bed exercises, help patients sit up, stand, and walk while supported. This therapy focuses on preparing patients for everyday tasks, independence and communication. Child Life specialists support patients with age-relevant activities that incorporate play and the child’s interests.

Helping kids start their journey to recovery early

Every family who has a critical care experience knows the road to recovery can be long.

Research shows that early mobilization speeds up recovery by reducing the likelihood of prolonged bed rest and delirium. Children who receive it often need less pain medicine. Early mobilization also helps children and teens feel stronger and less depressed than those in the ICU who do not receive it.

Mobilizing patients who are ventilated Early mobilization therapy can help children who are ventilated with muscle strengthening, circulation and communication activities. It often allows them to spend fewer days on a ventilator and reach other therapy milestones sooner.

A team approach to critical care rehabilitation

Early mobilization requires innovative collaboration among providers like critical care specialists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, ICU nurses, psychologists, speech therapists and respiratory therapists. Together, this team of experts develops a unique treatment plan for each child. The team applies the same level of collaboration to delivering care. Our Child Life Specialists play an important role in designing activities that reflect each patient’s age, interests and abilities.

Improving a child’s social and communications skills

In addition to supporting a child’s physical needs, our program focuses on communication and social skills so they can express themselves – and their wants and needs – more clearly. Our team uses a variety of tools to help our patients communicate.

Integrating families into rehabilitation

Our program integrates parents into their child's rehabilitation activities as soon as possible so they can serve as their child’s champion and recovery partner.

With the support of therapists and child life specialists, parents help with interactive bedside therapies to promote cognitive development and build motivational emotional support. Parents also learn how to help their children when it’s time to go home.