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Peter Murphy, MD, FCCP, MRCPI

One of the most striking aspects of this initiative has been the cultural shift among physicians and nurses, which has been largely influenced by the training led by Kali Dayton. These trainings emphasize the importance of collaboration and communication within the health care team, fostering a shared commitment to patient-centered care.

As a result, clinicians are more attuned to the value of keeping patients awake and engaged, which has proven to be critical in preventing the deconditioning and delirium often associated with prolonged sedation. Moreover, the dramatic improvements in patient outcomes are evident in the reduction of complications that frequently arise in the ICU setting. With fewer ventilator days, patients are less susceptible to ventilator-associated pneumonia and other respiratory complications.

The emphasis on mobility not only accelerates recovery but also contributes to improved psychological well-being, as patients are less disoriented and more connected to their surroundings. This holistic approach to care, driven by a cultural transformation among health care providers, underscores the profound impact of mobility-limited sedation protocols on patient health and safety.

In summary, the integration of these protocols has not only enhanced clinical outcomes but has also reshaped the professional landscape within ICUs, and all of our staff are enthusiastic regarding the dramatic patient benefits.

About the Author, Kali Dayton

Kali Dayton, DNP, AGACNP, is a critical care nurse practitioner, host of the Walking Home From The ICU and Walking You Through The ICU podcasts, and critical care outcomes consultant. She is dedicated to creating Awake and Walking ICUs by ensuring ICU sedation and mobility practices are aligned with current research. She works with ICU teams internationally to transform patient outcomes through early mobility and management of delirium in the ICU.

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Before Kali, our hospital struggled with overly-sedated patients and lack of early mobility. Despite multiple efforts to change the culture, we were at a standstill. In one hour, Kali was able to ignite a flurry of conversations regarding her experience with the Awake and Walking ICU and this immediately led to a change in clinical practice.

Patients with less sedation and other neurotoxic medications are spending fewer days on the ventilator. If you are considering starting an ICU early mobility program at your hospital, your first step needs to be to consult with Kali and absorb as much information as you can!

Matthew McClain, DPT
Florida, USA

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