Clinicians' opinion on massage in the intensive care unit patients.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the perception of ICU clinicians (physiotherapists, physicians, and nurses) regarding the safety and potential benefits of massage in rehabilitating ICU patients, particularly for reducing pain, anxiety, restlessness, and improving sleep quality and bowel movement.
Results Summary
Most physiotherapists (71%), physicians (96%), and nurses (92%) perceived massage as beneficial and safe for ICU patients, especially when performed by physiotherapists. However, the perceived feasibility of massage by physicians and nurses was lower (20-55%).
Population
ICU clinicians (physiotherapists, physicians, and nurses) working in three ICUs in Poland (total n=135).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
massage | increase | physical and psychological outcomes | ICU patients | - | can positively influence | #1 |
massage | neutral | - | physiotherapists (PTs) | 71% (25/35) | perceive as a beneficial and safe treatment | #2 |
massage | neutral | - | physicians (PHs) | 96% (28/29) | recommend using | #3 |
massage | neutral | - | registered nurses (RNs) | 92% (65/71) | recommend using | #4 |
massage | neutral | - | ICU patients | - | could be a permanent element of rehabilitation | #5 |
massage | decrease | pain | ICU patients | - | reducing | #6 |
massage | decrease | anxiety | ICU patients | - | reducing | #7 |
massage | decrease | restlessness | ICU patients | - | reducing | #8 |
massage | increase | sleep quality | ICU patients | - | improving | #9 |
massage | increase | bowel movement | ICU patients | - | improving | #10 |
INTRODUCTION: Physiotherapy in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a common medical procedure involving mainly elements of mobilisation, electrotherapy and also, in various forms and to a lesser extent, elements of massage. Massage can positively influence the physical and psychological outcomes of the ICU) patients. AIM: The study aimed to assess the perception of physiotherapists (PTs), physicians (PHs), and registered nurses (RNs) working in ICU about the possibilities and safety of implementing massage in the process of rehabilitation of ICU patients. METHODS: This multicentre survey was conducted in Poland in three ICUs (Gdansk, Koscierzyna, Krakow). A total of 135 people participated in the study. Of these, 25.9% (35/135) were PTs, 21.5% (29/135) were PHs, and 52.6% (71/135) were RNs. The questionnaires were distributed and collected online (directly by respondents to Google Form system) and in written form. RESULTS: Most PTs-71% (25/35)-perceive massage as a beneficial and safe treatment while working with ICU patients. PHs 96% (28/29) and RNs 92% (65/71) also recommend using massage by physiotherapists to rehabilitate ICU patients. In the respondents' opinion, the possibilities for the use of massage by PHs and RNs are lower (between 20% and 55%). CONCLUSIONS: According to the surveyed clinicians working in the ICU, massage is a safe form of treatment, especially when performed by PTs and it could be a permanent element of rehabilitation among ICU patients, especially for reducing pain, anxiety and restlessness and also improving sleep quality and bowel movement.