Improving physical function with physiotherapy assistants following intensive care unit admission (EMPRESS): A randomised controlled feasibility study.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Early rehabilitation of critically ill patients is challenging due to limited staff resources. This study assessed the feasibility of delivering a randomised controlled trial of physiotherapy assistants delivering early protocolised rehabilitation plus usual care compared with usual care.

Methods

We conducted a randomised feasibility study in three U.K. mixed medical/surgical intensive care units. Eligible patients were intubated and ventilated <72 h, expected to be ventilated for a further 48 h, and functionally independent before ICU admission. Patients were randomised to protocolised early rehabilitation plus usual care or usual care. Feasibility outcomes were (i) recruitment of one to two patients/per month/site; (ii) >75% of patients commencing the interven

SUBMITTER: Cusack RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12084218 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature