ANALYSIS OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN PHYSICAL THERAPISTS’ WORK WITH PATIENTS IN COMA AND WITH PROLONGED DISORDERS OF CONSCIOUSNESS IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2522-1795.2025.19.1.2Keywords:
coma, prolonged disorders of consciousness, intensive care unit, early mobilization, physical therapy in intensive careAbstract
Purpose. This study aimed to analyze the international experience of physical therapists working with patients in coma and those with prolonged disorders of consciousness in intensive care units, as well as to assess the feasibility of adapting this experience to Ukrainian healthcare settings. The lack of unified guidelines and adapted rehabilitation protocols in Ukraine hinders the effective recovery of such patients. Examining international experience may support the development of national recommendations and their integration into clinical practice. Materials and methods. An analysis of 76 scientific articles from eight electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, etc.) was conducted using keywords such as coma, rehabilitation, mobilization of coma patients, prolonged disorders of consciousness, and physical therapy in intensive care. The study examined modern approaches to early mobilization, respiratory therapy, sensory and tactile stimulation, and patient positioning, as well as their potential application in Ukraine. Results. Key aspects of rehabilitation were identified, including early mobilization, respiratory therapy, tactile and sensory stimulation, and patient positioning. A review of contemporary international protocols and recommendations demonstrated their effectiveness in the recovery of patients in coma and with prolonged disorders of consciousness. It was found that the application of standardized protocols and guidelines significantly improves rehabilitation outcomes even in resource-limited settings. The study substantiated the rationale for adapting international protocols to Ukrainian healthcare to improve rehabilitation outcomes for patients with consciousness disorders. Conclusions. International experience in physical therapy for patients in coma is a valuable resource for developing national protocols. Recommendations that incorporate the experience of other countries could help improve outcomes for patients in critical conditions in Ukrainian healthcare institutions, even with limited resources.
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