Promoting early ambulation after coronary angiographic procedures: a best practice implementation project.

INTRODUCTION

Prolonged bed rest after coronary angiographic procedures remains routine, guided by tradition and concerns over vascular complications. However, emerging evidence suggests early ambulation may improve patient outcomes without compromising safety.

AIM: This study evaluated the impact and feasibility of ambulating patients 4 hours post-procedure on back pain, urinary difficulty, and vascular complications.

METHODS

A best practice implementation project was conducted in two adult cardiology wards in a Singapore tertiary hospital, comprising 30 adult patients who were ambulated 4 hours post-procedures. The JBI Evidence Implementation Framework was used to curate a set of audit criteria to assess nurses' compliance with early ambulation and its effect on patients. Barriers and facilitators to change were identified and addressed using JBI's Getting Research into Practice (GRiP) tool. Data were analyzed using the JBI Practical Application of the Clinical Evidence System (PACES).

RESULTS

Post-intervention, compliance exceeded 80% for all audit criteria. Patient outcomes showed significant reductions in back pain and urinary difficulty, with no changes in vascular complication rates, affirming the safety and effectiveness of early ambulation.

CONCLUSION

Early ambulation following coronary angiographic procedures enhances recovery and maintains patient safety, demonstrating its feasibility as a practice change. These findings support the potential for wider adoption of this evidence-based approach across additional units to improve care delivery.

SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A510.