Physiological abnormalities and adverse events during physical therapy in the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery: A prospective observational study

Abstract Background After cardiac surgery, physiological abnormalities or adverse events might occur in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) during physical therapy care. Identifying these events may help improve patient safety and care. Objectives To estimate the incidence and the degree of severity of physiological abnormalities or adverse events during physical therapy interventions provided in the ICU after cardiac surgery. To explore the relationship between these events and patients’ characteristics and clinical outcomes. Methods Prospective observational study of adult patients in the postoperative period of cardiac surgery admitted to the ICU of a referenced university hospital. Physical therapy interventions were observed by a team trained to evaluate and register the occurrence of physiological abnormalities or adverse events and grading their consequences. We compared baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients with versus without these events. Results We observed 935 physical therapy interventions in 323 patients, of which 189 (20%, 95% confidence interval: 18, 23%) resulted in physiological abnormalities or adverse events. The highest incidences of these events were observed during endotracheal suctioning (44%), walking (40%), and noninvasive ventilation (37%). Hemodynamic changes were the most frequent events accounting for 74% of all events. Only 2% of interventions resulted in mild harm and 0.2% in moderate harm. The presence of comorbidities was associated (p = 0.03) with the occurrence of these events. Conclusion Physiological abnormalities or adverse events occurred in 20% of physical therapy interventions in patients in the ICU after cardiac surgery, with 10% of those resulting in negative effects. Only the presence of comorbidities was associated with the occurrence of these events.