Relationship of the Perme ICU Mobility Score and Medical Research Council Sum Score With Discharge Destination for Patients in 5 Different Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Background: Measurement tools are increasingly used to quantify impairments in mobility and muscle strength of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), yet little evidence exists to support the relationship between measurement tools and discharge destination. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate whether a relationship between the Perme ICU Mobility Score (Perme Score) and the Medical Research Council Sum Score (MRC-SS) exists between either of these 2 measurement tools and discharge destination for patients in the ICU. Design: The Perme Score and the MRC-SS were performed on patients during the initial physical therapy (PT) evaluation in 5 different ICUs. Data were analyzed to determine whether a relationship exists between either of these scores and discharge destination. Methods: Data were collected on 250 patients in 5 ICUs during the initial PT evaluation. Results: Patients in the ICU with a higher Perme Score or MRC-SS at the time of PT evaluation were discharged home whereas those with lower scores required postacute care placement. Conclusion: The results from this study demonstrate the potential use of the Perme Score or the MRC-SS as standardized measurement tools to assist physical therapists in providing discharge recommendations in the ICU.