Apr 22, 2026 – Critical Care Mobility in Patients with Obesity: Integrating Respiratory Support, Safe Mobilization, and Outcomes in the ICU

Live and recorded on Apr 22, 2026 from 2 PM – 3 PM Eastern
FREE to ALL. Thank you to the sponsorship by BariSolutions.Inc.

Title: Critical Care Mobility in Patients with Obesity: Integrating Respiratory Support, Safe Mobilization, and Outcomes in the ICU
Presented by Jimbo Varnum, DHA, MBA, RRT-NPS-ACCS, CSPHA, Allison Varnum, MSN, RN, BSRT, CSPHA and Susan Gallagher, PhD, MSN, MA, RN, CBN, CSPHP

Overview:

The prevalence of obesity among critically ill patients continues to rise, creating unique challenges for intensive care teams responsible for respiratory management, mobility, and rehabilitation. Patients with obesity often experience altered respiratory mechanics, increased work of breathing, and greater risk of complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), prolonged mechanical ventilation, and ICU-acquired weakness. Prolonged immobility in the ICU contributes significantly to functional decline and long-term disability among survivors of critical illness. Early mobility interventions have been shown to reduce ICU-acquired weakness, support respiratory recovery, and improve overall outcomes. Mobilizing critically ill patients with obesity, however, presents additional challenges, including respiratory instability, equipment limitations, and increased caregiver injury risk. This session reviews current evidence on critical care mobility for patients with obesity, focusing on respiratory management, mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients, and safe patient handling strategies. Practical approaches for integrating interdisciplinary mobility protocols into ICU care will be discussed.

 Objectives:

1. Describe the impact of obesity on respiratory mechanics and critical illness outcomes.
2. Explain the role of early mobility in preventing ICU-acquired weakness and improving recovery outcomes.
3. Identify barriers to mobilizing critically ill patients with obesity receiving respiratory support.
4. Discuss interdisciplinary strategies that integrate respiratory care, safe patient handling, and progressive mobility.
5. Apply evidence-based mobility principles to improve patient and workforce safety in critical care

Meet the Speakers

Jimbo Varnum is CEO of BariSolutions. He is a Certified Safe Patient Handling Associate (CSPHA) who lives in Augusta, GA with his wife and eight-year-old son.  He graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 2006 with a BS in Respiratory Therapy and in 2020 with master’s in business administration from Brenau University, and in 2026 received a Doctorate in Health Administration from Oklahoma State University.  Through the years, he has practiced as a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) with certifications in Neonatal Pediatric Specialist and Adult Critical Care Specialist. He continues to serve on a number of boards supporting respiratory health worldwide.

Allison Varnum is Chief of Clinical Affairs of BariSolutions and Managing Editor for the Journal of Bariatric Solutions. She is a Certified Safe Patient Handling Associate (CSPHA) who lives in Augusta, GA with her husband and eight-year-old son. She graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 2006 with a BS in Respiratory Therapy and in 2009 with a master’s in nursing. Allison has 20 years of bedside experience in critical care and surgery and now brings a strong voice to clinical innovation and best practices ensuring BariSolutions’ work is grounded in clinical insight, education, and meaningful impact.

Susan Gallagher earned a Master’s in Nursing: Advanced Practice WOC Nursing from the University of Southern California in 1995. She also holds a Master’s in Religion and Social Ethics and a PhD in Policy Ethics from the University of Southern California. Dr. Gallagher is certified in Bariatric Nursing and is a Certified Safe Patient Handling Professional. She is past president of Association for Safe Patient Handling and Professionals, Associate Editor for Workplace Health and Safety (AAOHN), has served on a number of international boards, and is a recognized speaker across the globe on skin and wound care, outcomes, bariatrics, ethics, risk, and loss control. In 2024, she earned the Marie Brown Etris Award for advancing equitable skin care for patients weighing 500–1200 pounds. Today, she leads the Bariatric National Solutions Conference, connecting experts worldwide to promote inclusive, dignified care for every patient.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number CEP 15826, for 1 contact hour.

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