Early Rehabilitation Feasibility in a COVID-19 ICU

Abstract

Survivors of critical illness have long-term morbidity resulting in physical, emotional, and cognitive dysfunction.1,2 Early mobilization improves functional outcomes and is essential to quality critical care.3-6 Early mobilization is feasible and safe for critically ill patients, including those receiving mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO).3,4,7 Early rehabilitation may be deferred in the critically ill because of a variety of barriers that are magnified by the staffing shortages, overwhelmed hospital capacity, and severity of respiratory failure seen with the COVID-19 pandemic.