A feasibility study to assess pre-admission status and six month outcomes of major trauma patients admitted to an intensive care unit, using the WHO DAS 2.0

Abstract

PurposeTo report the feasibility of assessing pre-admission functional status of ICU trauma patients, with repeat assessment at six months post ICU discharge using a standardised measure. Materials and methodsA prospective longitudinal observational cohort design recruited consecutive adult major trauma admissions to a UK general ICU, between 1st November 2016 and 1st November 2017. The 12-item World Health Organisation Disability Schedule 2.0 was completed to assess pre-admission functional status as soon as possible after ICU admission. This was repeated at six months post ICU discharge, through ICU follow-up clinic, by post, or by telephone. ResultsThe ICU physiotherapy team were trained in the use of the measure in 2.5 h. Initial assessments were completed for 57 participants. Mean time from admission to assessment was 38 h, with assessments completed in an average of three minutes. The median six month score was 28.5, increasing from baseline by a median of 15.5 points. Of the responses received 20 (65%) were via post, 4 (13%) by telephone, and 7 (23%) via follow-up clinic. ConclusionsStandardised assessment of pre-admission function was feasible. Future research should investigate the clinical relevance of scores and the validity of the measure in trauma patients.