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A large fraction of intensive care unit (ICU) patients with respiratory failure who survive their critical illness leave the hospital with substantial neuromuscular weakness. In light of this reality, a shift in the approach to critical care management has begun. This viewpoint has broadened the perspective of ICU care providers beyond the narrow goal of leaving the ICU alive to a broader notion focused on minimizing the complications that accompany the inherent noxious nature of ICU care. Mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients is feasible, safe, and carries the potential for tremendous benefit for our patients., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Mobilization is often used by physiotherapists for managing critically ill patients with the aim of treatment including improving respiratory function, level of consciousness, functional ability, and psychological well being, and reducing the adverse effects of immobility. In addition, mobilization may decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU or hospital stay. This article provides ICU practitioners with comprehensive guidelines that can be used to assess the safety of mobilizing critically ill patients. The main safety factors that should be addressed include intrinsic factors related to the patient (eg, medical background, cardiovascular and respiratory reserve, and hematological considerations) and factors extrinsic to the patient (eg, patient attachments, environment, and staffing).