Lecture Summary

Critical illness can contribute to a decline in physical condition with many patients experiencing decreased physical functioning for months following recovery from critical illness. Muscle loss and reduced function contribute to this decline in physical function and there is potential for optimal nutrition in combination with early exercise to promote maintenance of muscle mass and function. Ensuring prescribed nutrition and mobilisation goals are met during the hospital stay is challenging and families can support and encourage patients with meeting these goals, so that the potential for physical recovery is optimised.

Target Audience

Critical Care Nurses
Trainee Critical Care Doctors

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, you should be able to:

• Describe the impact of critical illness on functional recovery and quality of life
• Describe factors which contribute to the development of ICU-acquired weakness
• Explain the role that nutrition and mobilisation have in promoting recovery following critical illness
• Identify barriers to the delivery of optimal nutrition and exercise during and following recovery from critical illness

Partnering With and Engaging Families in the ICU

Building family partnerships in the ICU

Critical Care Nursing / Family Engagement

Partnering With and Engaging Families in the ICU

Building family partnerships in the ICU

Critical Care Medicine / Family Engagement