Updates in Person-Centered Rehabilitation for Critically Ill Patients.

Peter Nydahl, Sabrina Eggmann, Bev Ewens, Christina Jones, Lioudmila V Karnatovskaia, Dale M Needham

Journal: Critical care nursing clinics of North America 2026;38(2):193-208

PMID: 42103417

Abstract

Modern patient-centered rehabilitation for critically ill patients focuses on physical, cognitive, psychological, and social recovery to reduce long-term impairments after critical illness. Core strategies include the ABCDEF (A2F) bundle/ICU Liberation, humanization programs, and symptom management. Based on the capabilities of individual patients, frequent assessments in these dimensions are performed to develop person-centered goals and interventions. Early mobilization, cognitive stimulation, delirium prevention and nonpharmacological management, empathic communication, ICU diaries, and family involvement should begin within 24 to 72 hours after ICU admission. The dosage and delivery of these interventions should be adapted to the capabilities and needs of individual patients.

Address: Nursing Research, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany; Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria. Electronic address: [email protected].; Department of Physiotherapy, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland; Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.; ICUsteps Kemp House, London, UK.; Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.; Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA.

DOI: 10.1016/j.cnc.2026.01.003

MeSH Terms: Humans, Critical Illness, Patient-Centered Care, Intensive Care Units, Delirium