Physiotherapy for ECMO patients

Publication date: Available online 21 December 2018Source: The Egyptian Journal of Critical Care MedicineAuthor(s): Marlice van DykAbstractPhysiotherapy is part of the overall care in an interdisciplinary intensive care unit. Patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) were previously deemed to be too unstable to mobilise. Safety is of paramount importance as these patients often have multiple large cannulas, monitoring and lines. Mobilisation protocols should be in place, and each team member must be aware of their role. Contra-indications for mobilisation should be adhered to, and patients should be monitored before, during and after mobilisation. Secretion and respiratory management should be performed daily to address the reason why the patient was placed on ECMO.
Source: The Egyptian Journal of Critical Care Medicine - Category: Intensive Care Source Type: research