Assessment of neuromuscular electrical stimulation use in critically-ill patients: physiotherapists knowledge and barriers for it
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/1809-2950/210035220622EN%20Keywords:
Electric Stimulation, Muscle Weakness, Polyneuropathies, Intensive Care UnitAbstract
Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is considered an important tool to prevent the loss of muscle mass and strength in patients in intensive care units (ICU). This study aimed to evaluate the profile and knowledge of physiotherapists regarding NMES and identify the main barriers to the utilization of NMES in the ICU. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire created by the authors. The questionnaire consisted of 12 objective questions to analyze the level of knowledge of physiotherapists concerning NMES use in critically-ill patients. Physiotherapists were invited to participate in the study during an international symposium on NMES. Fifty-six physiotherapists completed the survey, mean age of 33.5 years ±7.2 and meantime after graduation of 9.7 years ±7. Thirty-four respondents worked in the ICU, and of these only 4 (12%) reported that NMES is routinely performed in their ICU. Low performance was observed with an average of only 25% correct answers (3/12). The main barriers reported to the utilization of NMES in the ICU were the lack of knowledge 28 (50%) and the lack of equipment 24 (43%). When comparing the expert and no expert physiotherapists, the number of correct answers was not statistically significant p= 0.68. A low level of knowledge on NMES use in critically-ill patients was observed. Respondents demonstrated that NMES has been underused in their ICU. The lack of knowledge and equipment seem to be the main barriers for the utilization of NMES in the ICU.
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Copyright (c) 2022 Fernandes JA, Silva ML, Trancho AC, Macedo JRD, Martins HR, Silva PE
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