Integrated Rehabilitation in HDU for Post-Intensive Care SyndromeLiberation in Patients With PICS

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Integrated Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation: Participants will receive a standardized multidisciplinary rehabilitation program implemented in the HDU, including: Medical management Continuous treatment of primary diseases, medication optimization, complication prevention, and gradual removal of medical devices. Respiratory rehabilitation Respiratory muscle training, airway clearance techniques, and breathing pattern training. Physical rehabilitation Progressive mobilization according to patient tolerance, including passive exercises, active bed exercises, sitting training, standing training, and walking training. Sessions are conducted 1-2 times per day, lasting 20-40 minutes each. Rehabilitation nursing Position management, pressure injury prevention, device safety management, and sleep management. Cognitive and psychological interventions Orientation training, cognitive stimulation activities, psychological support, and family participation.

Study summary

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is characterized by persistent physical, cognitive, and psychological impairments among survivors of critical illness. Although advances in intensive care medicine have reduced mortality, a large proportion of ICU survivors experience long-term functional impairments after discharge.

High-dependency units (HDUs) serve as transitional care settings between intensive care units and general wards. Many critically ill survivors who cannot directly return home are transferred to HDU for continued treatment and rehabilitation. However, evidence regarding systematic multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions in HDU settings remains limited.

This prospective single-center interventional study aims to evaluate the effects of an integrated multidisciplinary rehabilitation model implemented in the HDU on physical, cognitive, and psychological outcomes among patients with post-intensive care syndrome. All enrolled patients will receive standardized integrated medical, nursing, and rehabilitation interventions. Multidimensional functional assessments will be conducted at baseline, during hospitalization, and before discharge from the HDU.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in Physical Function (CPAx Score) — Baseline (within 48 hours after HDU admission) and at HDU discharge，assessed up to 2 days
  Change in Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx) score from baseline to HDU discharge. The CPAx score ranges from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating better physical function.

Trial sites (1)