Current physiotherapy practice in Greek intensive care units: a national study

Background: The purpose of the study was to investigate the responsibilities and frequency of clinical procedures that physiotherapists perform within the intensive care unit (ICU) in Greece, along with the level of education and training of these physiotherapists. Methods: Physiotherapists who work in general ICUs of hospitals were invited to complete a developed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 83 items, of closed and opened–ended format. Items for service provision and physiotherapists’ employment were included, along with participants’ involvement in respiratory care, early mobilisation and the use of the ICU equipment. Results: One hundred forty physiotherapists completed the questionnaire. Seventy-three respondents (52%) reported working in ICU in Athens and 67 (48%) in other cities of Greece. Almost all the physiotherapists’ performed early mobilisation and respiratory techniques; although the frequency of procedures and use of equipment were variable. Sixty-one (44%) and 70 (50%) respondents participated in the weaning procedure and mobilised the patient whilst using the ventilator, respectively. Conclusion: The physiotherapists are from ICUs all over Greece. The results reflect the differences among the procedures that physiotherapists perform, regarding early mobility and respiratory physiotherapy. The results indicate the need for a national up-to-date job description of the physiotherapy services in ICUs in Greece.