Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceived Barriers of ICU Nurses Regarding Early Mobilization of Patients in South West Bank Hospitals: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Early mobilization (EM) in intensive care units (ICUs) reduces complications such as ICU-acquired weakness, delirium, and prolonged mechanical ventilation. However, EM implementation remains inconsistent, particularly in resource-limited settings. Understanding ICU nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers is essential for improving practice. Objective: To describe the knowledge, attitudes, and perceived barriers of ICU nurses regarding early mobilization in South West Bank hospitals. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed. A total of 151 ICU nurses from multiple hospitals in the Southern West Bank completed a self-administered questionnaire using the Provider Barriers to Early Mobilization Scale. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data, and barriers were ranked by combined agreement. Results: The mean knowledge score was 76.26 (SD = 19.65), indicating generally adequate knowledge. The mean attitude score was 49.63 (SD = 8.66), reflecting moderate attitudinal barriers. The mean behavior/perceived barrier score was 58.70 (SD = 11.46). The top-ranked barrier was the perception that ICU patients are too sick to mobilize (82.8% agreed or undecided). Other major barriers included inadequate nurse-to-patient staffing (62.9%), the belief that physical/occupational therapists should primarily mobilize patients (63.6%), and concerns that mobilization increases nursing workload (62.9%). Over half of nurses (51.7%) lacked confidence in safe mobilization. Conclusion: ICU nurses in South West Bank hospitals possess adequate theoretical knowledge about early mobilization but demonstrate moderate attitudinal barriers and face significant organizational, clinical, and resource-related obstacles. Targeted educational programs, standardized protocols, and improved staffing and equipment are urgently needed to translate knowledge into routine EM practice.