Introduction

Evidence is emerging that supports the importance of early mobilization in critically ill patients to enhance recovery and prevent significant short- and long-term complications.^1 –7 The purpose of this supplement to Critical Care Nurse is to describe what is known about mobilizing critically ill patients and how to overcome the challenges and barriers to achieving early and progressive mobilization. Each section of the supplement is written by thought leaders and clinical experts in this topical area who discuss related evidence and describe their techniques, processes of collaborative care, and outcomes associated with various mobilization interventions and strategies.

As with so many of the clinical challenges that we face, there is no one easy answer to the questions surrounding mobility in the critically ill. It is essential that we challenge old thinking, ask the right questions, and study interventions to address them so that we can establish best practices...