REhabilitation After Critical Illness Assisted Discharge Pack (RECAP)

Overview

The complexity of critical illness can result in both physical and psychological consequences for survivors, which can extend past the intensive unit care stay and after hospital discharge. A need for information and empowerment in the recovery process are highlighted for developing treatment strategies. It is suggested that there is a relationship between physical problems and psychological symptoms, but this has not been researched. This pilot study aims to test the effectiveness of a physiotherapy directed Rehabilitation after Critical illness Assisted discharge Pack (RECAP) on the physical and psychological function of patients recovering from critical illness in the first three weeks post discharge from ICU to the general ward area. The study will rely on a randomized controlled clinical trial design, with patients assigned to either a "usual care" control group vs. the treatment group. It is expected that engaging patients in their rehabilitation plan will focus physiotherapy treatment and improve physical recovery. It is hypothesized that the RECAP will reassure, support and empower patients to directly affect their psychological recovery in the first three weeks after critical illness.

The process of recovering from critical illness is complex. The physical and psychological consequences of surviving critical illness can extend past the intensive unit care stay and after hospital discharge. For a critically ill patient, their first transition is being discharged from intensive care to a general ward and is one of the most stressful transitions they experience. They are required to adjust both physically and psychologically as they begin an uncertain journey to recovery. Research on the patient experience has identified vulnerability, hopelessness, fear of the unknown and anxiety as key features of this transition. A need for information and empowerment in the recovery process are highlighted for developing treatment strategies. It is suggested that there is a relationship between physical problems and psychological symptoms but this has not been researched. There is also limited evidence to guide clinicians in treatment strategy choice for these patients. This pilot study aims to test the effectiveness of a physiotherapy directed Rehabilitation after Critical illness Assisted discharge Pack (RECAP) on the physical and psychological function of patients recovering from critical illness in the first three weeks post discharge from the ICU to the general ward area. The study will rely on a randomized controlled clinical trial design, with patients assigned to either a "usual care" control group vs. the treatment group. Individuals in the treatment group will receive "usual care" plus a RECAP pack at ICU discharge with once weekly follow up with an ICU physiotherapist. The intervention group will receive the RECAP plus standard physiotherapy for the first three weeks after intensive care stay and the control group will receive standard physiotherapy alone. Outcome measures used will be the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and State Anxiety Inventory (SAI). Secondary Outcome measures will include the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx) and a 5 question patient satisfaction questionnaire. Outcome measures will be taken at ICU discharge, at one week post ICU discharge and at three weeks after ICU discharge to determine physical and psychological recovery, along with evaluating overall study feasibility. It is expected that engaging patients in their rehabilitation plan will focus physiotherapy treatment and improve physical recovery. It is hypothesized that the RECAP will reassure, support and empower patients to directly affect their psychological recovery in the first three weeks after critical illness. The User Centred Critical Care Discharge Information Pack (UCCDIP) and instructions, designed by Bench and Day (2012), will be used as a component of the RECAP. These are being used with the authors permission.