A50 CRITICAL CARE: GETTING STRONGER - MEASURING AND IMPROVING FUNCTION IN ICU SURVIVORS: Late Mobilization: In Hospital Physical Therapy After Intensive Care Unit Transfer

Recent clinical practice guidelines suggest EM implementation in order to improve outcomes. Since many patients who survive an episode of critical illness exhibit persistent physical disabilities for years, it seems reasonable that EM would be followed by aggressive physical therapy (PT) throughout hospitalization and following hospital discharge, with the goal to provide restoration of physical function and prevention of progressive debilitation. Conclusions: While there is a strong emphasis on aggressive EM in the ICU with its obligatory resources and inherent risks, maintenance of PT in post-ICU patients after transfer to the floor is deficient, particularly during a time when PT may be much more feasible and safe. [...]many patients who likely suffer from significant post-ICU weakness and concomitant physical debilitation and frailty are not provided access to rehabilitation at hospital discharge.