Assessment of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in critically ill patients: physical therapists’ knowledge and barriers to its use

• Published in: Fisioterapia e pesquisa 2022-09, Vol.29 (3), p.245-251
• Main Authors: Fernandes, Janaina Almeida, Silva, Marianne Lucena da, Trancho, Ana Cristina, Macedo, José Roberto de Deus, Martins, Henrique Resende, Silva, Paulo Eugênio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electric Stimulation; Intensive Care Unit; Muscle Weakness; ORTHOPEDICS; Polyneuropathies; REHABILITATION
• ISSN: 1809-2950; 2316-9117; 2316-9117
• DOI: 10.1590/1809-2950/21003529032022en

ABSTRACT Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is considered an important tool to prevent muscle mass and strength loss in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU). This study aimed to evaluate physical therapists’ profile and knowledge of NMES and identify the main barriers to its use in ICUs. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted via a structured questionnaire created by the authors. It consisted of 12 objective questions to analyze physical therapists’ knowledge of NMES use in critically ill patients. Physical therapists were invited to participate in this study during an international symposium on NMES. In total, 56 physical therapists, with a mean age of 33.5±7.2 years and working an average of 9.7±7 years after graduation, completed the survey. Overall, 34 respondents worked in ICUs, of which only four (12%) reported regular NMES use in their ICUs. We found a low average of correct answers to our questionnaire (25%; 3/12). The main barriers reported to using NMES in ICUs were lack of knowledge (28; 50%) and equipment (24; 43%). The number of correct answers expert and non-expert physical therapists was not statistically significant (p=0.68). Thus, we observed participants’ poor knowledge of NMES use in critically ill patients. Respondents showed that NMES has been underused in their ICUs. Lack of knowledge and equipment seems to be the main barriers for the use of NMES in ICUs. RESUMO A estimulação elétrica neuromuscular transcutânea (EENM) é considerada uma importante ferramenta para prevenir a perda de força e massa muscular em pacientes internados em unidades de terapia intensiva (UTIs). Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o perfil e conhecimento dos fisioterapeutas sobre a EENM e identificar as principais barreiras para sua utilização na UTI. Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal, por meio de um questionário estruturado elaborado pelos autores. O questionário foi composto por 12 questões objetivas que visavam analisar o nível de conhecimento dos fisioterapeutas sobre o uso da EENM em pacientes críticos. Os fisioterapeutas foram convidados a participar do estudo durante um simpósio internacional sobre EENM. Cinquenta e seis fisioterapeutas completaram a pesquisa, a média de idade foi de 33,5±7,2 anos e o tempo médio de graduação de 9,7±7 anos. Trinta e quatro entrevistados trabalhavam na UTI, e destes apenas 4 (12%) relataram que a EENM era realizada rotineiramente em suas UTIs. Observou-