Physiotherapy in the intensive care unit

Abstract

Physiotherapy is reported to be an integral part of patient management in the intensive care unit (ICU) of hospitals in industrialised countries. There is substantial literature which supports the role of respiratory management and rehabilitation of critically ill patients, although there is a paucity of randomised controlled trials in this area and trials examining patient outcomes. The aims of this review are to present the current evidence for the role of physiotherapists in the adult ICU. The efficacy of 'chest physiotherapy' on short-term patient physiological outcomes has been studied extensively and there is moderate-to-strong evidence in support of its role. The safety of physiotherapy treatment in ICU has also recently been established. In addition, there is growing evidence for the role of exercise rehabilitation beginning in ICU and extending to beyond ICU discharge. Urgent research is required by physiotherapists to establish the effectiveness of such treatments.

Keywords:

• CHEST PHYSIOTHERAPY
• EXERCISE
• INTENSIVE CARE
• NON-INVASIVE VENTILATION
• REHABILITATION