Physical functioning assessment tools in critical care: a wide national survey in Chile during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Physical functioning evaluation in intensive care units (ICUs) identifies rehabilitation requirements and response to interventions. Aim: To identify the usage rate of physical functioning measurement instruments in ICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. Material and Methods: Lead physiotherapists representing different national ICUs were invited to answer a National online survey at the onset (T1) and at the first year of COVID-19 pandemic (T2). The usage rate (defined as "always"/"almost always"/"almost never"/"never") of instruments assessing muscle strength, muscle mass, mobility, and physical performance was surveyed. Also, the reasons for selecting these instruments were requested. Results: We received responses from 94 and 93 ICUs at T1 and T2, respectively, of 111 eligible ICUs (55% public). Compared with T2, the usage rate of instruments was lower at T1, and significant only for Medical Research Sum-Score (MRC-SS) (p = 0.04) and handgrip dynamometry (p = 0.05). Considering the answers "always", "almost always" and "almost never", between 89% and 91% of the ICUs reported the use of the MRC-SS; between 70% and 73% reported the use of the Functional Status Score for the Intensive Care Unit; between 5% and 35% of the ICUs reported the use of the rest of mobility scales; and between 44%-45% of ICUs reported that muscle ultrasound was "almost never" used. The main reasons reported for selecting instruments were quick use and clinimetric properties. Conclusions: The usage rate of muscle strength assessments was frequent, while the use of mobility and muscle mass instruments recommended by the literature was poorly reported, which was lower at the onset of the pandemic.