Consensus statement on the use of standardized early mobilization in pediatric patients admitted to pediatric intensive care units in Italy
摘要
Prolonged immobility contributes to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU)-acquired weakness and postintensive care syndrome (PICS). Early mobilization (EM) shows feasibility and potential benefits in adults, and pediatric experiences suggest safety, though data are limited and practice varies. There is a wide variability in Italy regarding EM practices. Thus, we aimed to develop consensus statements to standardize EM across Italian PICUs today while respecting local variability. This project was conducted by a 20-member multidisciplinary panel of Italian PICU experts, including nurses and physiotherapists. The project was endorsed by the Italian Society of Neonatal and Pediatric Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SARNePI). A comprehensive search (2010–2015 July 2025) in PubMed, CINAHL, and PEDro was conducted. Eligible studies included prospective and retrospective studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines. Nine EM research areas were defined; Statements were drafted using a Quaker-based consensus methodology and voted using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method. From 8380 records, 113 studies met eligibility. Twenty-two statements and four tables were drafted; 20 statements and three tables achieved strong agreement in the first round. The remaining two statements and one table were revised and were classified with weak agreement. Attendance was 93% at online meetings. Conclusion: This EM consensus provides standardized, implementable statements to guide EM adoption across Italian PICUs while accommodating local practice differences; future work should focus on validation, implementation, and dissemination.