PHOENIX

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Physiotherapy and Optimised Enteral Nutrition In the post-acute phase of critical illness: A randomised controlled feasibility trial

• IRAS ID

  326633

• Contact name

  David McWilliams

• Contact email

  david.mcwilliams@uhcw.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  1 years, 5 months, 30 days

• Research summary

  Patients with severe illness require life-saving treatment in intensive care units (ICU). During this treatment, patients often need to stay in bed. The combination of severe illness and immobility can have a devastating impact on the patient’s body. Patients discharged from ICU to the ward are weak, tired and malnourished. However, due to pressures on ward based teams, provision of the essential rehabilitation required is inconsistent. This can cause further muscle loss, delays to patients leaving hospital and incomplete recovery. Inadequate nutrition and failure to receive enough calories means patients also struggle to regain muscle and become tired very quickly.

  We have previously shown the benefits of delivering enhanced physiotherapy, using a structured approach to rehabilitation for patients within ICU. We plan to replicate this intervention in the ward environment. We will also include a specialist nutritional assessment. This will ensure they have the required protein and calories to
  rebuild muscle, further improving recovery.

  We are planning a future study to see if a combination of enhanced physiotherapy and optimal nutrition improves recovery and is cost-effective for the NHS. To do this, we will compare patients who receive our structured rehabilitation intervention with those who receive normal ward care. Before this future study takes place, it is important to make sure it is designed in the best way by asking the following questions

  1. Will patients agree to be a part of this trial?
  2. Are we able to deliver more consistent rehabilitation and nutrition?
  3. Will patients and staff members be happy for us to randomly select who receives this extra treatment?

  We will recruit 60 patients from 2 hospitals in the UK over 6 months. Half of those who agree to take part will have a specialist nutritional assessment and be seen by the specialist rehabilitation team. The other half will receive current
  standard care.

• REC name

  Wales REC 2

• REC reference

  24/WA/0050

• Date of REC Opinion

  13 Mar 2024

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion