Dosage of Early Rehabilitation of ICU Patients

Intensive care treatment can have long-term effects on patients. Around 40% of intensive care unit (ICU) patients develop an Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICUAW), which leads to functional limitations and an impairment of independence, participation in everyday life, quality of life and ability to work. Recent studies have shown that early mobilisation has a positive effect on the course of the disease, including improved physical function and independence, shorter ventilation times, and shorter ICU and hospital stays. However, there is currently no standardised approach to mobilisation and the dosage required to achieve the best health outcomes in ICU patients is unknown. There is also a lack of data on patients who were functionally dependent before hospital admission and on patients who were not on invasive mechanical ventilation.

The main objectives of the observational study are:

• Assessment of the variety of different mobilisation practices worldwide.
• The analysis of the association of mobilisation dosage on patient outcomes.
• The evaluation of the association of the prehospital functional status or invasive mechanical ventilation on patient outcomes.

The investigators aim to recruit over 6,000 patients internationally from a minimum of 200 intensive care units. The total duration of the study is 21 months, with participation per patients being 90 days. Routine clinical data and mobilisation data from ICU will be documented, and standardised functional tests and questionnaires will be conducted.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults (≥ 18 years old) within 48 hours of ICU admission
• Expected to stay > 24 hours in the ICU

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who receive end-of-life care at the time of screening
• Patients whose treatment plans are still under discussion and/or not all team members are committed to full active treatment
• Patients whose functional status is unlikely to be obtainable
• Patients with language barriers