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. 2023 Feb;24(1):24-31.
doi: 10.1177/17511437221100332. Epub 2022 May 9.

Therapy professionals in critical care: A UK wide workforce survey

Paul Twose  1 , Ella Terblanche  2 , Una Jones  3 , James Bruce  3 , Penelope Firshman  4 , Julie Highfield  5 , Gemma Jones  6 , Judith Merriweather  7 , Vicky Newey  8 , Helen Newman  9 , Claire Rock  10 , Sarah Wallace  11
Affiliations

Therapy professionals in critical care: A UK wide workforce survey

Paul Twose et al. J Intensive Care Soc. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Introduction: National guidelines suggest recommended staffing levels for therapies. The aim of this study was to capture information on existing staffing levels, roles and responsibilities and service structures.

Methods: An observational study using online surveys distributed to 245 critical care units across the United Kingdom (UK). Surveys consisted of a generic and five profession specific surveys.

Results: Eight hundred sixty-two responses were received from 197 critical care units across the UK. Of those that responded, over 96% of units had input from dietetics, physiotherapy and SLT. Whereas only 59.1% and 48.1% had an OT or psychology service respectively. Units with ring fenced services had improved therapist to patient ratios.

Discussion: There is significant variation in access to therapists for patients admitted to critical care in the UK, with many services not having services for core therapies such as psychology and OT. Where services do exist, they fall below the recommended guidance.

Keywords: Allied health professionals; critical care; direct patient care; indirect patient care; staffing; workforce ratios.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Involvement in critical care follow-up clinic and rehabilitation programmes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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