Practices of physiotherapists working in intensive care units in Brazil

• Grant number: 21/01392-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2021
• End date: January 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Adriana Sanches Garcia de Araújo
• Grantee: Ana Luiza de Arruda Camargo
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The role of the physiotherapist in intensive care units (ICU) has gained more notoriety, this is due to the advances in care in intensive care, the performance of an increasingly humanized multi professional team and comprehensive and singular care. This importance was even more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic because, as it is a respiratory disease, it needs professionals trained in advanced respiratory care. The role of the physiotherapist on the front line proved to be fundamental, since these professionals are primarily responsible for noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation5 and for the maneuver of the prone position, for example, resources widely used in patients with COVID-19 in the environment hospital. Objective: This study aims to carry out a survey of the current practices of physical therapy assistance within the ICUs. Methods: Cross-sectional, qualitative and quantitative study, with data collected from an electronic questionnaire. 150 professionals graduated in physiotherapy who work in ICUs in Brazil will be recruited, who accept to participate in the study and answer an online questionnaire. The disclosure will be made via social networks such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, in which a link will be made available that will automatically redirect to the questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 33 questions, both alternative and written, divided into four sections, which are demographic data / academic training / performance scenario, knowledge and practices of the physiotherapist's performance in ICUs related to the assessment and intervention of the professional in these units. The application period for the questionnaire is scheduled to start in April and end in August 2021. All ethical aspects in research with human beings will be respected. Expected results: It is expected after this survey, to contribute to the reflection of the establishment of care routines and protocols, thus allowing a quality care decision-making process, in addition to providing subsidies for offering training to professionals working in the ICU.