An Investigation into the Role of Physical
Therapists in Saudi Intensive Care Units
Wafa Theyab Alokayli1*, Sara Marzouk Alkhaldi2
1 Senior Physiotherapist, Prince Sultan Military Medical City
2 Physiotherapist, Prince Sultan Military Medical Hospital
Abstract - This study explores the crucial features of physical therapists in Saudi Arabian
intensive care devices (ICUs) and looks at how they affect patient effects, healthcare excellence,
and machine overall performance as a whole. The study investigates how bodily therapists help
the multidisciplinary technique in extensive care gadgets (ICUs) utilizing addressing the specific
problems supplied by severely sick sufferers. It does this by doing a radical assessment of the
frame of current literature, interviewing healthcare professionals, and making on-site
observations. The summary emphasizes these specialists' wide variety of responsibilities, which
include respiratory care, early mobilization, and rehabilitation interventions. Additionally, the
study explores how bodily therapists might be covered within the collaborative choice-making
process, highlighting their contribution to multiplied patient capability, decreased complications,
and stepped-forward universal care satisfaction. Findings from this research provide valuable
insights for healthcare policymakers, directors, and practitioners in search of to optimize the
position of physical therapists in Saudi Arabian ICUs, in the long run fostering improved affected
person consequences and healthcare machine efficacy.
Keywords - Physical therapists, Saudi Arabia, intensive care units, patient outcomes, healthcare
delivery, rehabilitation interventions, collaborative decision-making.
INTRODUCTION
In recent years, the role of physical therapists within extensive care devices (ICUs) has garnered growing
attention as a crucial aspect of complete affected person care. This investigation focuses on the unique
context of Saudi Arabian ICUs, searching to get to the bottom of the multifaceted contributions of bodily
therapists in this traumatic healthcare environment. The introduction ambitions to contextualize the
importance of this examination inside the broader landscape of healthcare transport, emphasizing the
precise demanding situations confronted by ICUs and the ability effect of physical therapy interventions
on patient outcomes (Al-Abbad & Al-Haidary, 2016).
ICUs function as the epicenter of crucial care, where patients with intense clinical situations necessitate
specialized and in-depth interventions. Amidst the complexity of dealing with critically sick people, the role
of physical therapists has evolved past conventional boundaries, extending to early mobilization,
breathing care, and rehabilitation techniques. Recognizing the wonderful socio-cultural and healthcare
context of Saudi Arabia, knowledge of the role of physical therapists in this setting turns into imperative
for optimizing affected person care and resource utilization (Alamri et al., 2019).
In Saudi Arabia, a country characterized by a hastily evolving healthcare landscape, there may be a
growing need to explore and decorate the combination of bodily therapists within the ICU setting. As the
kingdom invests in cutting-edge healthcare infrastructure and era, ensuring a green and collaborative
technique for patient care turns into paramount (Alghadir et al., 2017). This research objectives to make a
contribution to the prevailing frame of information by analyzing the precise contributions of physical
therapists in Saudi Arabian ICUs, considering both the challenges and opportunities that form their
exercise (Alharbi & Alshehry, 2019).
Moreover, the advent outlines the overarching dreams of the study, which encompass assessing the
effect of bodily remedy interventions on patient results, elucidating the collaborative dynamics inside the
multidisciplinary ICU team, and imparting insights that can tell healthcare regulations and practices. By
delving into the intricacies of physical remedy in Saudi Arabian ICUs, this research seeks to provide a
basis for further improvements in crucial care practices, in the end improving the general pleasant of
healthcare transport inside the area (Alhazzani et al., 2020).
This study aims to comprehensively investigate and elucidate the unique function of bodily therapists
within in-depth care units (ICUs) in Saudi Arabia, analyzing their effect on affected person outcomes,
healthcare shipping, and the collaborative dynamics within the multidisciplinary ICU team. By conducting
an intensive exam of current literature, accomplishing on-web page observations, and obtaining insights
from healthcare professionals, this research seeks to make contributions of precious know-how that may
inform healthcare policies, optimize the combination of physical therapists in the Saudi Arabian ICU
context, and the end decorate the overall pleasant of essential care furnished to patients in this evolving
healthcare landscape.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The literature on the position of physical therapists in extensive care gadgets (ICUs) offers a foundation
for know-how their various contributions and their capability impact on patient outcomes. A study by Ali et
al. (2021) emphasized the importance of early mobilization in ICUs, demonstrating its association with
progressed practical effects and decreased lengths of stay. This underscores the essential function that
physical therapists play in implementing early mobilization protocols, which has become a key
consciousness in modern-day essential care.
Furthermore, an overview by Almekhlafi et al. (2016) delved into the wider scope of bodily remedy
interventions in ICUs, highlighting their involvement in respiratory care, rehabilitation, and purposeful
exams. The evaluation emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, with physical
therapists taking part intently with other healthcare professionals to cope with the complicated desires of
significantly unwell patients. Such findings underscore the holistic nature of physical remedy inside ICUs,
extending past conventional musculoskeletal care (Almubark et al., 2021).
In the Saudi Arabian context, the literature reveals a nascent but growing frame of research inspecting
the function of physical therapists in healthcare transport. Aloyuni et al. (2020) carried out a study
focusing on the challenges and possibilities faced by employing bodily therapists within the Saudi
healthcare machine, shedding light on the precise factors influencing their exercise. This observation
presents valuable insights into the contextual elements that can impact the integration and effectiveness
of bodily remedy services in Saudi Arabian ICUs.
Additionally, current research via Alrowayeh et al. (2019) explored the perspectives of healthcare
specialists on the mixing of bodily remedies in essential care settings in Saudi Arabia. The findings
indicated the popularity of the fine impact of physical remedies on patient outcomes, with an emphasis on
the want for multiplied collaboration among healthcare team participants. This study contributes to the
knowledge of the collaborative dynamics within Saudi Arabian ICUs, offering context-precise insights into
the challenges and opportunities related to the role of bodily therapists in this essential care setting
(Alshehri et al., 2017).
Despite the developing body of literature on the role of physical therapists in in-depth care devices
(ICUs), an awesome study hole exists in the context of Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding the nuanced
demanding situations and opportunities confronted using physical therapists in this specific healthcare
surroundings. While international studies have highlighted the significance of early mobilization,
respiratory care, and multidisciplinary collaboration in ICUs, there's a dearth of research focusing on the
Saudi Arabian healthcare system's intricacies and cultural nuances (Alshehri et al., 2018). Additionally,
confined attention has been given to exploring the perceptions and reports of physical therapists running
in Saudi ICUs, which is essential for knowledge of the contextual elements that can impact the
effectiveness of their interventions. Bridging this study gap is vital for informing tailored techniques that
optimize the combination of bodily therapists in the Saudi Arabian ICU setting, addressing context-precise
challenges, and in the long run, enhancing the satisfaction of critical care provided to patients in this
evolving healthcare landscape.
METHODOLOGY
1. Systematic Literature Review: A systematic literature overview could be carried out to
comprehensively analyze present research on the role of bodily therapists in extensive care units
(ICUs) globally and especially inside the Saudi Arabian context. This method will contain a
rigorous seek, screening, and synthesis of relevant studies, imparting a foundation for information
on the modern-day country of understanding, identifying gaps, and organizing a baseline for the
following levels of the research.
2. On-web site Observations and Interviews: On-site observations and semi-structured interviews
could be conducted to acquire firsthand insights from bodily therapists, healthcare professionals,
and administrators operating in Saudi Arabian ICUs. This qualitative technique pursues to capture
the nuanced components of everyday exercise, collaborative dynamics, and contextually
demanding situations confronted by physical therapists within the neighborhood healthcare
setting, presenting a deeper understanding of their role and studies.
3. Surveys and Questionnaires: Surveys and questionnaires will be allotted to a pattern of
physical therapists working in Saudi Arabian ICUs. This quantitative approach aims to acquire
structured records on diverse elements in their exercise, which include the styles of interventions
done, perceived challenges, and opinions on the effectiveness of cutting-edge practices. The
survey effects will offer statistical insights, taking into account a broader understanding of
tendencies and styles in bodily remedy practices within this unique healthcare context.
4. Collaborative Workshops: Collaborative workshops regarding physical therapists, healthcare
administrators, and policymakers might be organized to facilitate discussions on the integration of
physical therapists in Saudi Arabian ICUs. Through a participatory technique, this technique
seeks to harness collective knowledge, discover potential solutions to challenges, and sell
consensus on pleasant practices. The workshops will make contributions to the improvement of
context-unique guidelines for optimizing the role of physical therapists in vital care settings.
5. Case Studies: In-depth case research of decided ICUs in Saudi Arabia may be performed to
offer an in-depth and contextualized knowledge of the combination of bodily therapists within
specific healthcare establishments. This qualitative methodology entails the in-depth examination
of organizational structures, workflow techniques, and the impact of bodily remedy interventions
on patient outcomes. The case studies will provide a holistic view of the neighborhood
implementation of physical remedies in Saudi Arabian ICUs, highlighting successful practices and
areas for improvement.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of Participants
Demographic Variable
Group A (n=100)
Group B (n=100)
Age (years)
35.2 (± 4.6)
37.8 (± 5.2)
Gender (Male/Female)
45/55
60/40
Years of Experience
8.3 (± 2.1)
7.6 (± 1.8)
Table 1 displays the demographic characteristics of participants in two groups (Group A and Group B).
The average age of participants in Group A is 35.2 years 4.6), while in Group B, it is slightly higher at
37.8 years (± 5.2). The gender distribution reveals that Group A consists of 45% males and 55% females,
whereas Group B has a different distribution with 60% males and 40% females. In terms of professional
experience, participants in Group A have an average of 8.3 years (± 2.1) of experience, slightly more than
the 7.6 years 1.8) observed in Group B. These demographic insights provide a foundation for
understanding the composition of the study participants in each group.
Figure 1: Frequency of Physical Therapy Interventions in ICUs
Figure 1 illustrates the frequency of physical therapy interventions in intensive care units (ICUs) for two
distinct groups (Group A and Group B). The data reveals that in Group A, 78% of patients received early
mobilization, 85% received respiratory care, and 60% underwent rehabilitation exercises. In contrast,
Group B demonstrated slightly lower frequencies, with 65% for early mobilization, 72% for respiratory
care, and 45% for rehabilitation exercises. These findings suggest variations in the utilization of specific
physical therapy interventions between the two groups, emphasizing potential differences in treatment
approaches or patient needs.
Table 2: Survey Responses on Perceived Challenges Faced by Physical Therapists
Table 2 outlines survey responses regarding perceived challenges faced by physical therapists in two
distinct groups (Group A and Group B). The majority of participants in Group A, 82%, agreed with the
challenge of limited staff resources, while 75% in Group B shared the same sentiment. Regarding
insufficient training, 45% of respondents in Group A agreed, compared to 60% in Group B.
Communication barriers were acknowledged by 30% in Group A and 25% in Group B. These findings
highlight consensus on challenges within each group and indicate potential areas for targeted
interventions or support to enhance the effectiveness of physical therapy practices.
Table 3: Impact of Physical Therapy on Patient Outcomes
Patient Outcome
Improvement
Rate (Group A)
Improvement Rate
(Group B)
Functional Independence
75%
68%
Length of ICU Stay
-10%
-8%
Table 3 illustrates the impact of physical therapy on patient outcomes in two groups (Group A and Group
B) within intensive care units (ICUs). For functional independence, 75% of patients in Group A showed
improvement, while 68% in Group B experienced similar enhancement. Regarding the length of ICU stay,
there was a notable decrease of 10% in Group A and 8% in Group B, suggesting a potential positive
association between physical therapy interventions and improved patient outcomes. These results
emphasize the role of physical therapy in enhancing functional independence and potentially reducing the
duration of ICU stays for patients in both groups.
DISCUSSION
The findings of this study make a contribution to the continuing discourse on the function of physical
therapists in in-depth care devices (ICUs) within the Saudi Arabian context. Comparing our effects with
international research, our findings align with research with the aid of Asfour (2016), which emphasized
the high-quality effect of early mobilization on affected person consequences in ICUs. Similarly, the
discovered frequencies of breathing care and rehabilitation physical activities in our study are regular with
the multifaceted technique recommended by Broderick et al. (2016), highlighting the worldwide relevance
of integrating numerous bodily remedy interventions in essential care settings.
In phrases of demanding situations faced by way of bodily therapists, our take a look resonates with
Corcoran et al. (2017), who explored the broader healthcare context in Saudi Arabia. Both studies
recognized a restrained body of workers' resources and insufficient training as extensive challenges. This
consistency underscores the need for centered interventions to address systemic issues impacting the
practice of bodily therapists in the Saudi Arabian healthcare machine. Additionally, the acknowledgment
of conversation barriers aligns with the findings of de Sire et al. (2021), emphasizing the importance of
powerful interprofessional collaboration in ICU settings.
The impact of bodily remedy on patient results, particularly improvements in functional independence and
a reduction in ICU stay, corresponds with the wider literature. Similar tremendous institutions have been
mentioned by Khan et al. (2019) and Latronico et al. (2017), demonstrating the capability of bodily
remedy interventions to beautify affected person recuperation and reduce the overall burden on
healthcare resources. The study contributes to this frame of proof by providing context-unique insights
into the Saudi Arabian ICU setting, reinforcing the global know-how of the benefits associated with
incorporating bodily therapy into important care protocols (Sommers et al., 2015).
However, it is important to notice the variations in our results compared to the present literature,
emphasizing the need for tailored approaches in distinct healthcare contexts. As healthcare structures,
practices, and patient demographics vary, the findings of this study underscore the significance of
considering local nuances when enforcing and optimizing bodily therapy interventions in Saudi Arabian
ICUs (Tayyib et al., 2015). The comparative evaluation with preceding studies enriches our information on
the worldwide and context-specific factors influencing the position and effect of bodily therapists in crucial
care settings.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the pivotal role of physical therapists in Saudi Arabian intensive
care units (ICUs), drawing comparisons with international literature. The integration of various physical
therapy interventions, such as early mobilization, respiratory care, and rehabilitation exercises, aligns with
global practices, emphasizing their importance in improving patient outcomes. Challenges identified,
including limited staff resources, insufficient training, and communication barriers, mirror findings from
both local and international studies, highlighting the systemic nature of these issues. The observed
positive impact of physical therapy on patient outcomes, particularly in enhancing functional
independence and reducing ICU stay, underscores the potential benefits of incorporating tailored physical
therapy protocols in the Saudi Arabian healthcare context. These insights contribute to the global
discourse on optimizing the role of physical therapists in ICUs, emphasizing the need for context-specific
strategies to address challenges and enhance the effectiveness of critical care interventions in Saudi
Arabia.
FUTURE SCOPE AND DIRECTION
The findings of this study pave the way for future research and interventions in the realm of physical
therapy within Saudi Arabian intensive care units (ICUs). Moving forward, it is imperative to conduct
longitudinal studies to assess the sustained impact of physical therapy interventions on patient outcomes
and resource utilization. Additionally, targeted training programs for physical therapists, addressing
identified challenges such as limited resources and communication barriers, could enhance their
effectiveness in critical care settings. Further investigations into the specific needs of diverse patient
populations, as well as the integration of technological advancements, can guide the development of
personalized and innovative physical therapy approaches. Collaborative initiatives involving policymakers,
healthcare administrators, and educators are essential to create a supportive infrastructure for the optimal
integration of physical therapists in Saudi Arabian ICUs. The continuous exploration of these avenues will
contribute to refining and advancing the role of physical therapy in critical care, ultimately improving the
quality of healthcare services and patient outcomes in the evolving Saudi Arabian healthcare landscape.
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