Psychometric Testing of an Instrument Assessing Family Knowledge, Contemplation, Confidence and Readiness for Engaging in Early Mobilisation of Critically Ill Patients: A Multi-Site Cross-Sectional Design.

The survey was done during COVID-19 visiting restrictions, so family members' willingness and views may not reflect usual ICU conditions. Only English-speaking family members of adult ICU patients expected to stay at least 72 hours and survive were included, so results may not apply to other languages, cultures or ICU settings. It tested the questionnaire only; it did not test whether using it changes family engagement, patient mobility or recovery. One knowledge item had limited response variation and a lower loading, and similar wording across items may inflate reliability estimates. Nearly half the respondents were not living with the patient, which may affect family dynamics and willingness to engage. The modified model needs independent validation and the instrument needs testing in other languages, cultures and ICU settings.

In-kind resources were provided by Gold Coast Health, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and Logan Hospital. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Do not read this as evidence that family members can safely mobilise patients or that using the questionnaire improves recovery. It tested whether family members' answers formed four consistent scales; it did not test an intervention or patient outcomes.