National Survey of Rehabilitation after Critical Illness

This paper reports the results of a survey of compliance with the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline 83 (CG83) Rehabilitation after Critical Illness1 in NHS hospitals in England. A data collection tool, structured around the detailed recommendations, was distributed throughout the 28 critical care networks in England. Usable data were returned from 59 intensive care units. The overall results show that 52% of units are fully compliant with rehabilitation guidelines for patients within the ICU. This decreases to 48% prior to discharge to the ward. Further reduction in compliance is then seen during the ward stay (27%), prior to discharge from hospital (33%) and at 2–3 months following discharge from intensive care (31%). There are health inequalities in this area that are proving challenging to overcome. Further evidence of the best way to deliver rehabilitation and its long-term health and economic benefits is required.