Feasibility, safety, and functional recovery after active rehabilitation in critically ill surgical patients

The characteristics of critically ill surgical patients differ from those of medical patients. Few studies have evaluated rehabilitation in surgical intensive care units (SICUs), particularly in non-Western countries and in elderly patients.

The objective of this study was to investigate the rehabilitation characteristics, safety, and functional recovery in non-Western SICU patients.

Data from patients who received active rehabilitation in 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical characteristics, functional recovery, and safety were investigated and compared in patients aged <65 or ≥65 years. Potential safety events were also compared between the two age groups and according to the reason for SICU admission.

Data from 157 patients were included in the analysis. The number of patients who were able to stand or walk increased from the beginning of rehabilitation to the time of ICU discharge (from 52 to 102 patients, P < 0.01). The Activity Measure for Post-Acute Care (AM-PAC) score also increased during rehabilitation (from 11.6 to 13.9, P < 0.01). Functional recovery did not differ between the two age groups. During 780 rehabilitation sessions, 23 potential safety events (3.0%) were noted; no significant differences were seen between the two age groups. A significant difference was noted when patients were grouped according to the reason for SICU admission (1.7% in postoperative care patients vs 4.5% in patients admitted for other reasons, P = 0.02).

Active rehabilitation in critically ill surgical patients is feasible and safe and resulted in improved mobility, regardless of age. However, the reason for SICU admission should be considered.