The MSK-ICU Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluating the musculoskeletal health state of Intensive Care Unit Survivors: A multicentre observational study
IRAS ID
296030
Contact name
Owen Gustafson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
The intensive care unit (ICU) is a vital part of hospital care, with more patients requiring treatment on ICU each year. Patients who survive ICU often experience long term physical problems resulting in a poor quality of life. There have been several studies investigating rehabilitation after ICU. These have demonstrated little benefit on physical function or quality of life.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems are those that affect bone, muscle and joints and can limit people’s ability to work. To date, there has been a small amount of research which has shown that ICU survivors are likely to experience MSK problems that would potentially benefit from physiotherapy.
Aims
The aim of this study is to evaluate the overall MSK health of patients, six months after they were admitted to ICU.
Design
There will be three parts to this study:
Firstly, patients will be phoned six months after they were admitted to ICU and asked several questionnaires. These questionnaires will gather information on their MSK health, employment and quality of life.
Patients who report having MSK problems will be invited to have one of two assessment visits:
A group of patients will undergo a full MSK assessment. This will include pain, muscle and joint assessment.
A smaller group of patients with severe MSK problems will undergo the same MSK assessment as above plus some additional tests which. They will be asked about their function, have an ultrasound scan, undertake a walking test and be given a wristband to records how active they are for a week after their visit.
Dissemination
The findings of this research study will be published in research journals, presented at national and international conferences Locally the findings will be presented to patients, staff and researchers.
The findings will help to advise the future development of treatments to improve MSK problems and physical function in survivors of ICU.REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
21/NS/0143
Date of REC Opinion
15 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion