Strengths and Weaknesses of Physiotherapy in the Daily Work of an Intensive Care Unit: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the strengths and barriers of administering a physiotherapy treatment to patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Methods: Qualitative interpretative description study. Twenty-one health professionals working in an intensive care unit in two referral hospitals were recruited in the study. Each personal interview began with open-ended questions and then continued with more interview-inspired questions. All healthcare professionals gave their views on their knowledge, perceptions and observations of the strengths and weaknesses of physiotherapy in the treatment of patients admitted to this unit. Results: The analysis highlighted four main topics: (i) knowledge of the role of physiotherapists at the ICU; (ii) benefits of physiotherapy for patients and in a multidisciplinary team environment; (iii) challenges and proposals for improvement in interprofessional collaboration; iv) needs for the implementation of physiotherapy. Conclusions: This study analyzes the opinion of intensive care unit professionals regarding the strengths and barriers of physiotherapy in these units. Healthcare professionals highlight the importance of early physiotherapy treatment, the insufficient number of physiotherapists in these units and the benefits of physiotherapy in the respiratory and functional improvement of patients. The main perceived barriers are communication between professionals and the need to reduce the ratio of patients per physiotherapist.

Keywords: barriers; intensive care unit; physiotherapy; qualitative study; strengths.