Characterization of occupational therapeutic practice regarding daily living activities of patients with respiratory failure in adult intensive care units

Abstract

Introduction: Patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) may present various clinical conditions, including respiratory failure (RF), defined as a clinical condition in which the respiratory system is unable to maintain oxygen and/or carbon dioxide arterial pressure values within normal limits. The occupational therapist working in the ICU is part of the rehabilitation team, with activities of daily living (ADL) as one of the intervention focuses. Objective: To characterize occupational therapy practice regarding ADL in patients with RF in the ICU context. Methodology: This is a crosssectional, descriptive, and quantitative study. Participating occupational therapists work in Brazil and provide care in ICUs to people aged 18 or older with RF. Data were collected through a virtual questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: According to the participants, the most impacted ADL in the ICU context are bathing, functional mobility, and toilet hygiene, while the ADL most targeted by interventions are feeding, functional mobility, and personal hygiene. The main factors identified as restricting ADL performance in this context are cardiovascular and sensory function alterations, presence of delirium, and service dynamics. Conclusion: The characteristics of occupational therapy practice focused on ADL of patients with RF in the ICU highlight the high complexity of this professional role, which demands specific competencies from the occupational therapist to provide qualified, safe, and effective care.