Early mobility to improVE health outcomes following cardiac surgery (EVE) clinical trial development: findings from workshop 1—embodied experiences of early mobility

IntroductionUsing arts-based research methods to engage people with lived experience (PWLE) supports the exploration of embodied knowledge, including senses, expressions, and emotions. Understanding embodied experiences may support closing the know-do gap by reducing the disconnect between research production and its translation into clinical care. Most research focuses on medical perspectives and less on patient experiences with early mobility after cardiac surgery (CS). No research explores patient experiences using arts-based research methods, which limits the depth of the exploration of their experiences. This article describes the findings of a qualitative, arts-based research method study.MethodsBody mapping was used to explore the embodied knowledge of early mobility in the CS intensive care unit (ICU). Body mapping involves participants creating a life-size tracing of a body in a position of their choice. The tracing is then filled with various art media, reflecting participants' lived experiences in response to the questions posed by the researchers. Three workshop sessions were held during which 1) the project, team, and body mapping process were introduced; 2) participants created body maps; and 3) body maps and the participants' experiences were discussed and co-analyzed by participants and researchers using compositional interpretation. Video recordings of the discussions were further analyzed using narrative inquiry and participant observation to build on the initial analysis.ResultsEight patients and two care partners participated. Five themes were generated that described the significant emotional and mental impact of mobility on patients following CS: Making Meaning of Movement, the Paradox of Movement, Moving Through the Emotions, Person-First, and Attitude.DiscussionThese embodied experiences can inform novel interventions or approaches to enhance clinical care and research, thereby supporting successful mobilization and potentially improving patient health outcomes.