The main results and conclusion of the current study:
Practicing of the early exercises program for post CABG patients in the current study minimized the occurrence of post operative complications; and improved the clinical outcomes.
Current study findings illustrated that most studied CABG patients experienced high insulin sensitivity, low incidence of pulmonary complications (atelectasis, hypoxia), decreased incidence of delirium, pain and lower length of ICU stay.
Current study findings predicted a relationship between the clinical outcomes among CABG patients and the following risk factors which included smoking history, duration of mechanical ventilation, and history of diabetes.
Based on the current study findings, the following recommendations are suggested:
- Implement an early exercise program as soon as possible while ongoing monitoring for hemodynamic and oxygenation stability.
- Ensure patients safety through accurate and ongoing assessment of hemodynamic and oxygenation stability before, during, and after any exercise and mobility intervention.
- Provide continuing education for critical care nurses regarding the importance, component and safety of early exercises program for CABG patients as soon as early (2 hours after surgery).
- Provide in-service training for critical care nurses on the steps of early exercises program, patients’ screening for intolerance and safety to minimize possible complications.
- Develop strategies, policies, written protocols and guidelines for early exercise program steps, techniques.
- Ensure the availability of adequate staff and equipment required for initiating and follow up the exercise program.
- Replicate this study on large sample size and in different ICUs to evaluate the safety and feasibility of early exercise program for post CABG patients.
- Determine the risk factors and the barriers for implementing the early exercise program and the progressive mobilization