Functional recovery and discharge outcomes in ICU survivors: an observational retrospective study of early mobilisation

Background: This study aimed to profile functional recovery and outcomes in ICU survivors. Methods: This retrospective observational study included patients with an ICU length of stay >72 hrs . Data were collected on demographics, ICU interventions, physiotherapy input, functional outcomes, including Chelsea Critical Care Physical Assessment Tool (CPAx) and Manchester Mobility Score (MMS). Outcomes were achievement of MMS Category 6 (mobilising < 30 m), discharge destination, mobilisation status at discharge and post-ICU falls. Results: Of 143 patients included (mean age 61.4 ± 14.88 years; 64.3% male), 52.4% were post-surgical admissions, 41.9% required mechanical ventilation. The median time to achieving MMS Category 6 was 3 d (IQR 2–5). Only CPAx scores at ICU discharge were significantly associated with discharge home (p < 0.05). In multivariable logistic regression, a higher CPAx score at ICU discharge was independently associated with independent mobilisation at hospital discharge (adjusted OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03–1.14, p = 0.002) and discharge to home as a destination (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.11, p = 0.026). Despite early mobilisation, independent mobilisation declined from 86.7% pre-ICU to 72.7% at hospital discharge, 12.6% experienced falls post-ICU. Conclusions: These findings support the use of standardised functional outcome measures in identifying recovery trajectories and informing discharge planning.