Design Indicators for Respiratory Care and Early Mobilization in the Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Objective: To design indicators for measuring processes and outcomes of some respiratory care interventions, and the early mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU). Method: A descriptive study was conducted in three phases: i) design of the indicators, ii) pilot test of the proposed indicators, and iii) validation and adjustment. This document presents the results of the first phase of the study. The selected literature was reviewed, and a discussion with a panel of experts and physiotherapists with experience in caring for critically ill patients was held. Construct validity and criterion validity were considered. Results: The study designed 15 effectiveness indicators (eight related to respiratory care and seven related to early mobilization). 66% were result indicators. Conclusions: The proposed indicators consider measuring processes and outcomes of some respiratory care interventions and early mobilization of critically ill patients, thus enhancing assessment and intervention in ICU with a consequent improvement in the quality of care.

Keywords

• Quality indicators
• physical therapy
• outcomes
• intensive care medicine