What factors affect implementation of early rehabilitation into intensive care unit practice? A qualitative study with clinicians

Abstract

Purpose To identify the barriers and enablers that influence clinicians' implementation of early rehabilitation in critical care. Materials and methods Qualitative study involving 26 multidisciplinary participants who were recruited using purposive sampling. Four focus groups were conducted using semistructured questions to explore attitudes, beliefs, and experiences. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was performed. Results Six themes emerged, as follows: (1) the clinicians' expectations and knowledge (including rationale for rehabilitation, perceived benefits, and experience), (2) the evidence for and application of rehabilitation (including beliefs regarding when to inte..