1. Improving quality of physical function assessment in intensive care units through routine use of the Danish Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx-D)
- Author
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Astrup, Katrine, Rolving, Nanna, and Sørensen, Lotte
- Abstract
AbstractPurposeMethodsResultsConclusion\nIMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONTo improve the quality of physical function assessment through routine use of the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx-D) in Danish ICUs.The methodological framework was “The Model for Improvement,” including the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle. The context consisted of two ICUs at Aarhus University Hospital with 38 beds. Eligible patients were aged 18 years or older and considered stable and ready for physiotherapy treatment. Evaluation methods used were questionnaires, clinical practice observations, continuous feedback, status meetings, and an audit of the medical records including patients during a three-month period in the ICUs.The quality improvement process required three PDSA cycles and two years before CPAx-D was successfully implemented into clinical practice. The following barriers were identified; the COVID-19 pandemic increased workloads and caused reorganization of care; leave of absence of the project manager caused a lack of leadership; local instructions were not sufficiently aligned with practice; and detailed manuals were missing. A facilitator for implementation was the clinicians’ perception of CPAx-D as a meaningful tool, adding value to interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, and stimulated patient motivation.By employing various interventions, routine use of CPAx-D has been successfully implemented into clinical practice at two Danish ICUs.Early rehabilitation is crucial to reduce the physical consequences of intensive care admission.Routine use of standardized assessment instruments can support goal-setting, communication, and decision-making in rehabilitation of patients in the intensive care unit.This quality improvement study outlines the barriers and facilitators identified throughout the process of implementing routine use of the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool.Early rehabilitation is crucial to reduce the physical consequences of intensive care admission.Routine use of standardized assessment instruments can support goal-setting, communication, and decision-making in rehabilitation of patients in the intensive care unit.This quality improvement study outlines the barriers and facilitators identified throughout the process of implementing routine use of the Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2025
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